As it's your partner's application, when your partner meets the requirements and applies for PR for you both after holding residence for two years, you will get it too - you won't have to (and can't) apply for it separately.
From what you've said, it sounds as though showing you meet the English requirements (or putting in for ESOL)
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/#66778.htm, is only a formality, so it's not an 'if' you get residence. But if you're not sure where you stand on this, you should check with the CO who sent you this latest email.