Hi Aleshia,
If you can get the 461 visa before coming here, then your husband should be fine! I have heard that it can be faster offshore, but don't know if it's true. Also, I believe that when he applies to renew the visa, the bridging visa will carry the same conditions as his previous visa, which means, if he was previously allowed to work, he will still be able to work. In my case, I arrived on a visitor visa, therefore I have no right to work or study.
If you are planning to stay in Australia long term, it's definitely worth looking at PR, but there doesn't seem to be many options for NZ citizens.