Thanks for the responses.
Our situation is a little complicated as with a Temp Work visa you have to be able to prove that it was not possible to find a kiwi to do our jobs but my employers weren't comfortable that they could really prove this, but in the residency application we have relevant work experience to make our jobs 'skilled employment'.
It has been just over 3 weeks since our residency application was out on the waiting list for a CO so we don't even have anyone to chase yet.
We only have a few weeks left on our WHV (probably leaving it dangerously late) but immigration already have our medical checks and I have the INZ 1085 in my hand now. I have only worked since February so I am hoping that by the time I have been working 12 months my residency has been issued, otherwise looks like I'll be taking a holiday!