Thanks for the informative response JandM. That puts my mind at ease, at least somewhat anyway!
i didn’t have to get an NSC when applying for my Talent Work visa in 2017, and nor did my partner when applying for her Partner of a Worker Work Visa. I also have a Chinese colleague who recently got granted a Talent Work Visa and did not need a NSC.
I imagine it’s because the stakes are that much higher for Immigration NZ when granting residence as distinct from a temporary visa, hence their recourse to asking us for the NSC now rather than in 2017.