IELTS or other proof of English ability?

[BkyMonster]

We have some friends that are moving back to NZ in February or thereabouts.
She's a kiwi, he isn't and they'll be doing a residency partnership application. English isn't his official native language (though I would have never known just from talking, as he basically has an American accent).
I'm just wondering what the IELTS acceptable standard is for NZIS and what other things show that one has met an acceptable standard of English? I'm sure he'd do ok on the test, but if he can use something else to prove his English is sufficient that would probably be cheaper for them. I know some qualifications work for that if taught in English, but is it just level 7 qualifications or...? I'm fairly sure he doesn't have a level 7, but might have something else.

I was looking for information before but not finding much specific.

Thanks in advance.

[Jo Jo]

I just posted about this the other day - here's the post.

[BkyMonster]

So you did and I even read that post. Duh! thanks.

That mainly applies to the SMC, I wonder if the rules are the same for partnership? I doubt they would be any more, so that at least is the baseline to shoot for then.

[Jo Jo]

Oh, but hold on - that's for SMC. I'll go and look up what it says about partnership - back in a mo.

[Jo Jo]

Here's what it says about language rules for partnership applications: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/i6262.htm

[Jo Jo]

So you did and I even read that post. Duh! thanks.

That mainly applies to the SMC, I wonder if the rules are the same for partnership? I doubt they would be any more, so that at least is the baseline to shoot for then.

Ha ha - simulpost!