Filipino civil engineer to work in NZ

Hi. Not really familiar with how it actually works but based from research and reddit posts, I'll need to have either a job offer in NZ or at least study again in NZ in order to work as an engineer.

Context: I'm a Filipino (PH) Civil Engineer with 2 yrs of experience (Subway Project and government agency) and my partner is already at Auckland and would soon apply as a Nurse there. In my case, what steps should I take now that I plan to apply soon? Please don't discourage. I've been trying to communicate with agencies as well and all they keep saying is that I really need to study there (just looking if there is another way) although I have a degree here in PH from FEU Institute of Technology and have passed the boards (not that I'm saying it matters because I'm aware that some countries do not recognize this).