Absolutley.
I worked for an accredited employer when I first arrived and helped a great deal when applying for permenent residency. I think it is like a commitment test from NZIS as when I tried to apply for a visa from the UK before setting off, it was denied.
When I did what I think ORC has done, was to just come here and find a job with a decent employer, getting a visa was really easy.
Best of luck fellas, its a bit hard at first settling in but it gets much better after you have had time to adjust.