does any one know what the average hourly rate is for machine operators in new zeland at the moment and do they have overtime rates aswell thanks .

depends what sort of machine operator you are talking about

I see that you have a conviction that entailed prison time.
you may want to check out
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migra...onvictions.htm

as you may need to get a waiver if you are eligible to apply for a visa

My convictions were 20 years ago and I only spent 6 weeks in prison

It is still something that Immigration will need to consider but looking on that link as it was such a short time you should be ok. but if you don't declare it it might be a problem later.

As Justcol says people will need to know what type of machine operator. Have you checked out the skills lists on the Immigration site?

A michine operator could be anything from drilling peg holes in self assembly kitchen units
or a skilled CNC machining center programmer/operator producing precision parts.
As you can see the jobs are hugely different and wage scales will be vastly different