British Expats - Temp work permit & WTR -Which form for a partner

If you are going for the temporary work visa, then your partner will complete work visa form 1105. It is a family stream visa which offers an open work visa on the back of your application. It doesn't matter if they never work in NZ.

If you are going for the WTR route , then it will be form 1146 family stream/ partnership. Same thing really.
Don't worry about not having the visa already. One sends in both the applications together and leave that bit blank on ther own form.

If your occupation is in shortage , seen as skilled and you have enough points. A nurse for example, then you are perfectly eligible to apply for Residency via the skilled migrant stream. You can do this at any time regardless of whether you have a temp work permit on the go or WTR.

hope that helps.