[anna_c]

I intend on applying for residency on grounds of partnership in February of next year,

I'm currently on a student visa, and I'm a bit iffy on how long I can stay here on that (my course ends next July but the visa goes until March 2008).

Should I be unable to continue on my student visa, and I haven't been granted PR at that point, I intend to apply for a work visa on grounds of partnership.

Now here's the problem:

I want to go on holiday with my partner (for a specific event so we're not flexible around dates). Is there then any way I can get a work visa (as well as permit) so I can leave and re-enter the country?

Thanks...

[Oregonkiwi]

yes, you can get a multiple journey permit:
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/alreadyinnz/workers/questionsandanswers/leavingnewzealand/leaveandcomebackbeforeexpires.htm
I’m well within the time allowed by my temporary Work Permit but I need to leave New Zealand for a short time and come back

Before you leave New Zealand you need to check that your Work Permit is a multiple journey permit. A multiple journey permit allows you to leave New Zealand and return without making any further arrangements. If you were instead granted a single entry permit, you need to apply to us to change this to a multiple journey permit. A single entry permit allows you to enter New Zealand only once – that is, when you first arrived. Please allow enough time to apply to change to a multiple entry permit before you leave.