Hi Deb,

I think you must be able to prove that you are entering NZ with the intention and legal authority to stay there i.e. either with a Work Permit or PR. If you were entering with a visitor?s visa you?d have to pay GST.

The length of time between WTR and getting PR can vary, so no definite answer there unfortunately. I?ve heard of people getting their PR very quickly and others have had quite a wait, but I don?t know the reason for this. Sometimes there are issues with the medicals that might hold things up.