score:2
What kind of evidence would they accept?
You seem to have decided on cash already. Frankly I don't know but given that NZ is no more specific than what you quote then cash would seem reasonable, or its near equivalent of travellers cheques. In addition I would expect a current, original bank statement showing a balance of at least the equivalent of NZ $1,000 should be acceptable, based on precedent for financial evidence requested by some visa issuing authorities.
If there are two of us traveling, do we each need evidence of NZ$1000? (I'm think if we used cash as evidence)
Yes. Such requirements are always per head unless there is specific mention otherwise (which I think there never is).
Backpackerboard has:
Evidence of funds can be in the form of travellerβs cheques, bank draft, letters of credit or a bank statement in your name. Cash or credit cards may be accepted as evidence of funds.
Upvote:1
Elsewhere on their website, and explicitly on the Visitor Visa information page when reporting particular citizenships or residencies, Immigration NZ provides a list of types of satisfactory evidence, which "can include"
proof of accommodation pre-payment, like hotel pre-paid vouchers or receipts
bank statements
credit card statements
bank drafts
travellersβ cheques
a 'Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry' completed by an acceptable sponsor.
The page continues to describe evidence a sponsor can give, which varies to include
recent bank statements
pay slips
employment agreement
accommodation ownership or payment of rent.
It should be noted that cash is a reasonable evidence of funds, but for security reasons, carrying such amounts is discouraged.
In effect, you need to show that you can cover costs to the amount required without much delay by either having the funds immediately to hand or, in the case of your accommodation, having already paid for it.
These requirements are stated per person, so if you are planning for a group, you must multiply the amount stated by the length of your trip measured in months by the number of people going on the trip.