U.S Citizen wants to return to NZ with NZ born daughter

I am wondering if anyone has any knowledge of this type of situation...

I lived in NZ from 1997 until 2000 and had permanent residency while I was there, but let it expire. I was married then--to a New Zealander--and had our daughter in Nelson. When she was 2 my husband and I split up and I returned home with her. She has dual citizenship and, obviously, can return. I am worried that I can't. I would like to move back with her so she can be closer to her dad but I'm not sure if that is possible now that I've been away for so long. I understand that when she is 18 she can sponser me and I can eventually live there. But she is only 6 now and her dad would love for her to be back, and I would like to return.

Any ideas? I would be most grateful. Feel free to email me personally if you wish.

Cheers
Shawn

Hi Shawn,
Are there any of the normal immigration routes you could take? If not, i'm not really sure how you would be able to. I would imagine that your daughter is free to live in New Zealand if she is a born citizen, and think that your best bet would be to contact the immigration department directly to discuss the nature of your matter.

NZ immigration are not accepting any family sponsorships this year so I know that one would be out of the question for this year!

Its a tough situation for sure, and I really hope you find a solution.

All the best