Seeking advice - regarding partner working visa

Partner has gone back to NZ recently, I'm overseas.
We have been together for over a year and lived together for about 5 months (evidence of living together from about 6 months ago), then travelled together overseas.

He's a nz citizen, I come from a visa waiver country.
Is it still possible to apply for PWV while not technically living together but have got lots of proof of living together from before?

Or is it better to get in on NZeta? Gvv?
Help
😶*🌫️
Thank you 😁