Thanks for your rapid response! You have given much help to a lot of people.
I (re)-read the link you left about student visas (in above post),
and found this provision for studying part time and working:
"
Part-time study
Ordinarily, you need to be studying full time to be eligible for a student permit. However, we may allow you to study part time on a student permit if you are:
* coming to New Zealand to study for at least three years and the course requires you to gain practical work experience as part of your study
or ..."
from
All about visas and permits
and the national certificate in carpentry level 4 courses fit this description.
My next step is to contact a school a to verify this. I will post here again whatever I find.
Thank you!
Corey