Yes.
And that emphasis on the time leading up to the application is because INZ are going to be looking at what is the situation for the couple NOW. A person won't be granted a visa on the basis that they used to live together some time in the past, but don't now, not unless there is a very solid reason (work or study commitments, or one of them having to leave because of visa requirements) for their not being together, and a strong chain of proof of how they have maintained the relationship during the absence.