Hi!

Welcome to the forum :icon_biggrin:

Fees are certainly cheaper in NZ for applications, si it's up to you where you'd rather be when submitting your application. Family residency applications can take some time, so it may be worth considering getting a partnership work permit, as they take 60 days maximum to process. That way you can at least work while waiting for a residency application.

For info on shipping out the kitty cat, take a look in the 'Making the Move' section. There is a good post there about shipping pets.