New Zealand working

Im looking at coming over to drive or as a tradesman but as i have a family with me im unsure its wise to just now

What’s the score with renewing work permits in NZ?
I read on the GOV site that it’s 2 years max? And no chance of residency?

my last work permit was 3 years (march 2014) but that was employed as a truck mechanic got my residency now so it’ll be the last time ill hopefully have to deal with all that