Your Associate Degree is probably considered level 5 or 6 in the NZQF. This counts for a certain number of points in the points-based assessment system of the Skilled Migrant category. A Bachelor's Degree would probably count for 10 more points. Years of work experience in your area of expertise also counts for points. From Can I apply under the Skilled Migrant Category:
Recognised qualification: We award 40-60 points for a variety of trade certificates, diplomas, bachelors degrees and post-graduate qualifications. You can get bonus points for qualifications, too.
If you haven't already, you should visit the Skilled Migrant Category Points Indicator to see how many points you might be eligible for. From what I guessed about your situation, you should be able to get at least 150 points easily (100 is the minimum required to submit an Expression of Interest).
An actual job offer looks like it's worth perhaps 70 points itself, which is most of the points you need anyway.