[MotherBear]

Yes, it's always good to double-check. I don't know where it says any previous points will be discounted but this is what it says about converting an international licence to a NZ one. No mention of carrying points over.

Converting to a New Zealand driver licence

If you have an international driver licence but want to drive for longer than one year in New Zealand, you must convert to a New Zealand driver licence. You should apply early to make sure you have a new licence before you have been in New Zealand for 12 months.

Application forms are available from driver licensing agents or contact Land Transport NZ's Driver Licensing Call Centre on 0800 822 422.

You will need to pass a theory test to make sure you have a good knowledge of the road rules and you may have to pass a practical driving test. This test is the same as the full licence practical test.

Some countries require similar driving skills and have similar licensing systems to New Zealand. Because of this, you don't have to sit the practical test if:

you have a driver licence from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or the United States of America, and
your licence is current (or has expired within the past 12 months), and
you've held that licence for more than two years.

For more information, contact Land Transport NZ's Driver Licensing Call Centre on 0800 822 422.

From here near the bottom of the page. Maybe they would be the ones to ask.