Originally Posted by
JandM
It's five years after getting residence (not PR), with the authorities counting a bit of leeway for the actual application, as rogercruse described, and/but time on a work visa doesn't count.
The part about "entitled to reside indefinitely in New Zealand" often confuses people, but it's all right - Residence itself is the right to live and work in NZ for ever, while you are in NZ. It would only lapse if you were outside the country with expired travel conditions.
Thanks J&M, I can understand people thinking "entitled to reside indefinitely in New Zealand" means PR, it would be an easy mistake to make. That said I will remember that normal residence is regarded as "entitled to reside indefinitely in New Zealand"