Mike. Welcome to MoveToNZ and by the sound of it, you can't wait.
Yes, 18 months is a long time to wait but I'm sure it'll be worth it in the end. It'll give you plenty of time to put your life in order and start making preparations ready to quit your life in the UK and make plans for your new life in NZ.
To help pass the time you can keep us company on here and join in the frivolity, madness and whatever else is going on.
Nearly forgot, congratulations on getting PR.
