If you are in NZ and have skills relevant to roles that have a shortage, (which is a more extensive range than the Immigration skills shortage lists), recruitment agencies may help you find work.
I know of IT recruitment agencies that find contract work for many people from overseas, though this is not so common for other areas like Accounting or Management.
The more relevant skills you can demonstrate the easier it will be for an employer to prove to Immigration that you and your husband have skills that not are not available in the current job market, so the more motivated they would be to offer you a job.
As others have mentioned being in NZ & talking (by phone and in person) greatly increases your chances of gaining work.
Other government departments may be more receptive to your applications, especially for roles that require strong analytical or policy/legal comprehension skills.