I am kiwi, but been living in Aus for 18 years. I just moved to Thailand last month. I just came on the 60 day visa free, then paid agent to do visa for me, if you get retirement visa from NZ you will have to buy insurance, as much as I believe you will need it, it can be purchased cheaper in Thailand.
You will both have to go through the same process.
I said as far as I know, so I am not wrong, and as I said I have learnt something, but as far as I can see, your information still does not help their situation