im a resident permit holder of NZ
as far as im aware, a working permit might be granted, depending on the guy who you talk to. your criminal offence was a while ago, but NZ does tuff on drugs sooo.....i know people who got working permits who have criminal records, but not for stuff like drugs.
lmao. shame to say i studied crap like this in New Zealand.
[Edit]
they can't say no.....lets put it that way.
if they do, simply appeal.
you've been clean for near a decade, right?
if so, then there should be no reason for them to deny you a 'working permit'