INZ Operational Manual: Residence, RV2.5
Showing a commitment to being in New Zealand is one of the key requirements for getting a Permanent Resident Visa. You can do this in any of the following ways:
Significant time in New Zealand – You’ve been here for at least 184 days (roughly six months) in each of the last two years (so you must have been here at least 184 days in the first year and at least 184 days in the second year).
Based in New Zealand – You’ve established a base in New Zealand, as shown by meeting all of the following requirements:
you’ve owned a family home here for at least a year, or you have a full-time job here, and
you’ve lived here for at least 41 days in the last year, and
all your immediate family members who are here under your Resident Visa have lived here for a total of at least 184 days over the last two years (that is, the time here in the first year plus the time here in the second year must add up to at least 184 days).
New Zealand tax resident – New Zealand’s Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has recognised you as a New Zealand “tax resident,” and you’ve been here for at least 41 days in each of the last two years.
Business or investment – You’ve established a business here or have invested in New Zealand (see Immigration New Zealand’s Operational Manual for more details).