I actually had no problems importing personal effects (I brought a lot) without PR, but maybe I just lucked out.
This sounds interesting:
"student allowances are available for some NZ students aged 16 years and over who are studying in recognised full-time tertiary or secondary courses. The allowance is income-tested, and how much a student receives depends on individual circumstances. Considerations include:
- age
- whether or not the student lives at home
- whether or not the student has dependent children
- other sources of income, such as wages earned by the student's partner
[snip]
Before they can access a student loan, students who are not citizens must:
-have held NZ permanent residence for two years
-have lived in NZ for two years on a continuous basis
Allowances are managed by studylink
www.studylink.govt.nz