Have you used the points indicator on the NZIS website? I've got no formal qualifications in IT, but had 10 years work experience so I made it on experience and a job offer. The important bit, of course, is the job offer.

We took the gamble and came to NZ without a job offer on visitors permits, and because we were here it was much easier to get a job, which led on to our residency.

What you do depends on your personal circumstances, and what you'd prefer to do I guess. Do the degree to gain the points, or take the risk and move, and hopefully find a job for the points.