Hi Mark
WINZ and the Customs share information and they know when I depart and when I re-enter and my wife and I have to notify them how long we are out of NZ etc.
We notify them religiously and inform them of the reasons etc why we are out of the country and before we leave. Never had a problem.
If you want super you must apply before you leave the country and if you are going for an extended period you must satisfy their criteria.
Get it sorted and play by their rules or you will be in the terrible situation of being stuck overseas being denied income, to which you are entitled, but you failed to file the paperwork and fulfil the residency requirements.
Good luck