Hi there, just want to share my experience and let people know.
After 2 years you can apply for Permanent Residency and that's what I did last week. Last Monday I sent application with my passport to Immigration here in Auckland. Still did not hear anithing from them. I've just called them to ask what's happening as I am a bit worried where is my passport and the lady from immigration told me that my application is waiting for CO (for PR!) and it usually takes 25 working days! 25 instead of 10 day as it says on their website...
Obviously I will be waiting and I am not rush, just a bit disappointing as I am already a New Zealand resident and basically need to put new label in my passport for my money but still the whole process is like a nightmare...
Be aware of this long process and know that it is not that easy
Cheers!