Hi, The age thing is really difficult, the points available drop rapidly the older you are. Seems strange as you would thing they would encourage people with life experience but they are just thinking if you would be a drain on the health system! Looking for work is a good way to go - we do have a shortage of tradesmen but of course the building / plumbing trades are different than the uk as houses are built differently (with very few houses having central heating!).
You mentioned Tony was your 'partner' - married? We were married and that made things so much easier as we could apply under general with my hubby being the main applicant (as he has the Uni degree) and I was able to contribute a few points to bump it up.
Take a look at trademe.co.nz - they have a jobs section - don't let the low wages put you off (they are a bit of a shock until you get a feel for the cost of living). Good luck.