http://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/30946.htm
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/30498.htm
RV3.20.1 Australian citizens and residents
Persons who hold a resident visa (or are deemed to hold a resident visa) because they are holders of current Australian permanent residence visas, current Australian resident return visas or Australian citizenship may be granted a variation of travel conditions for 24 months from the date their current resident visa was granted.
Australian citizens or residents who:
-have held, or are deemed to have held, a resident visa for over 24 months; or
have been previously granted a variation of travel conditions under this provision;
-may apply for variations of travel conditions under the provisions of RV3.5 or RV3.10 or for a permanent resident visa