Bear in mind also that any significant convictions that could affect character considerations between residence and PR can be a reason to refuse PR. See - RV2.5 (NB RV2.10 refers to people applying under Investor category)
How do resident visa holders or former holders qualify for a permanent resident visa? Upon application principal applicants, except for those to whom RV2.10 applies, will be granted a permanent resident visa if:
a. they either:
i. hold a resident visa, and have held that resident visa continuously for at least 24 months at the time of application; or
ii. have held a resident visa in the three months before the application is made, and had held that resident visa continuously for at least 24 months before it expired; and
b. their first day in New Zealand as a resident (R5.66.1(b)) was at least 24 months before the application is made; and
c. they can demonstrate a commitment to New Zealand by meeting the requirements set out in any one of the five subsections below (RV2.5.1 to RV2.5.20); and
d. they have met any conditions imposed under section 49(1),of the Immigration Act; and
e. they meet character requirements for residence (see A5).