I (a kiwi) and my current girlfriend (USA citizen) are currently looking to move to NZ together in May 2017. We are currently deciding whether to
1) start living together now, to start the partnership clock, or
2) to wait and start living together when we move, and she would apply for a working holiday visa (she would be 28 when it starts). In May 2018, she would then apply for the partner visa.
Is it less likely for a partner visa to be approved if the living together period is during a working holiday?