I think there may be a bit of confusion still - the first visa when successful under SMC used to be called PR, but that name now belongs to a different visa, available after a minimum of two years as a resident.
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migra...quirements.htm It sounds from what you say as though you may be on a work visa while waiting to get Residence (because I think there aren't any formalities including police certificates when going from Residence to PR).
Anyway, depending on what exact visa YOU have, your wife will need to choose either
Work visa: Partner of worker or student, or
Work visa: Partner of NZ citizen/resident.