INZ says a partner-sponsored Residence visa are allocated a CO in 6 - 9 months, then the processing comes afterwards and takes as long as it takes.
However, you could apply at any time for a partner-sponsored temporary work visa - you already have evidence of enough time to qualify for that - and this visa can be renewed until you have enough time to go for Residence, and while Residence is being processed. See here
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migra...milystream.htm under
Your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident.