Macfod is already in NZ, Taffy.

Macfod, have you actually applied for your LTBV already? ?I can't tell from your post whether you're still completing the paperwork for it or completing the process of going through the application with NZIS. ?

Perhaps you could ask the owner to let you work in the business so you can get a feel for running it and then, when the LTBV goes through you'll be an old hand at it. ?You'd need a Work Permit though, so you can work legally in NZ.

Pretty poor show if NZIS couldn't give you an answer straight away. I'm seeing this more and more where people are either being given conflicting or confusing advice or being told 'I don't know the answer to that'. After all NZIS makes the rules so they should be able to answer queries about them. I could work for NZIS as I get it wrong as often as they do. ;D . Ooops there goes my chance of PR. ::)