You can make a job offer to someone who does not have a work or residence permit but this should be conditional on them getting a work or residence permit. They may not start working for you until they have the relevant permit, as described above.
Most work and residence permit categories require a person to have a job offer before they can get a New Zealand work or residence visa or permit. To support someone in their application for a work or residence visa or permit you need to establish they are eligible and that there are no New Zealanders available to do the work. This largely depends on the type of job they are being offered, and their skills and experience in doing that job. They must also meet the Government’s health and character requirements and their qualifications and work experience must be verified.