I also didn't have any relative in nz, no employment offer. I thought I could have extra points in the absolute skills shortage area being a civil engineer but NZIS disqualified my points for this because my BS Degree was completed in the Philippines which is NOT a "Washington-Accord" country. From 135 points it was reduced to 110. My application was returned to the pool but was later considered for ITA.

Age is a very big factor (if you're less than 40).

Fullthrottle's points is indicated in the other thread.