Provided they enter New Zealand on a valid passport, Australian citizens and permanent residents will normally be granted a resident visa at the airport to stay in New Zealand.
An application for a resident visa is deemed to be made by completing the “New Zealand Passenger Arrival Card” and giving this to an immigration officer together with a passport or travel document. Resident visas granted at the airport are electronic, meaning you will not be given a stamp or label in your passport.
This resident visa allows the holder to remain indefinitely in New Zealand, to study, and to work for any employer, but it will expire upon exit from New Zealand.