[MotherBear]

Originally Posted by RisenAshes

It says that if you don't have a job offer, you will be subject to an interview, and if the interview is successful, you will only be granted a work permit after 9 months!

I think this should read FOR 9 months. It's to allow you time to get to NZ, find a job and settle down. It's one of the conditions of the Work to Residence Visa which they often dole out to those without job offers or whom they aren't 100% sure will settle well. Once you've got your job and things are under way, you should be able to apply for PR.

A work to residence visa or permit
If you have been offered a work to residence visa or permit instead of a residence visa or permit, there are certain things you have to do.

Within three months of the offer, you must return your application form for the work to residence visa or permit.
During the visa or permit application, you must show us that you are able to support yourself and your family for at least the first three months in New Zealand. This means NZ$1000 per person for each month, or NZ$400 per person each month if your accommodation has been paid for.
You will also have to show that you have the money available to purchase tickets to your home country for you and your family should you have to leave New Zealand.

If you are out of New Zealand, you will get a work to residence visa which will allow you to travel to New Zealand within three months. On arrival, or if you are already in New Zealand, you will be granted a nine-month work permit.

From here.