There is just as much of a requirement to show a live-in relationship for a partner-sponsored visitor's visa as there is for a partner-sponsored work visa - and, incidentally, for residence (only that demands proof of 12 months' relationship, whereas the others need around three months). I understand that you've lived together till recently, but INZ take some convincing that moving out doesn't mean breaking up. In any case, a visitor's visa is not right for your situation. A visitor is someone who intends to leave NZ after a limited stay, and those are not her intentions. She would fail on the bona fide criterion.
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...tity/bona-fide
Your partner would not be eligible to apply for ANY visa from within NZ if she leaves her job, because the visa automatically ends with the job.
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...ection-61-visa
What about your partner looking for another job she could get to while living with you? She could then change her work visa without any gap in her visa record.