Question is this. If I receive my job offer in the next few weeks, submit an EOI, and try to go the Skilled Migrant category will INZ issue me a temporary work permit whilst they review my application?
People who have applied for Residence under the SMC are NOT eligible for interim visas. Those are only issued to those who were on some kind of temporary visa, and have applied for another temporary visa.
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migra...ts/interim.htm
However, if you had applied for a temporary work visa and time ran out, you could be given an interim visa.
As it says here
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migra...rimvisafaq.htm, if you had applied for both Residence AND a work visa, the interim visa could be granted.