Hey Scotty,
Just wondering if you could help as I think you have already done what I am hoping to - buying a boat overseas (Aus), registering it in the Pacific and going to and from NZ while avoiding NZ tax/duty and Cat 1 regs to leave.
Am I right in saying that this the process?
1. Buy the boat in Aus and de-register it
2. Re-register it overseas (Cook Islands in our case) via a offshore company
3. Exit Aus and get a TIE when arriving in NZ
4. Head for the Pacific before the TIE runs out.

Is this correct?
Would love to know of any problems you may have had.

Cheers, Clive.