Hi Graham,
This was still the case last January as i was over there , changed my class one for a class 5. Will need a medical and take multi choice test at any VTNZ testing station, there are 35 questions of which you will need 33 to pass. you can go through all the questions on line, so learn them off by heart. i also did a days course on log books which was useful.
There seems to be plenty of driving work , see the trade me nz website ,for jobs. I drove for linfox out of auckland but be aware the hours are long and most set ups are truck and trailer. if you’re going to the south island i’ve be told there is plenty of work in Christchurch.
good luck
bq