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What are the laws (if any) in NZ about back-in or 'tactical' parking. That is, reversing into a parking space, so that you can exit by driving out front first?

Hi there,
If you are parking "straight" then you can be backward or forward facing, diagonal and parallel parking is a different story. You must be facing the same direction as the flow of traffic (lh side)/ road direction.
See clauses from the road user rule, below:
6.12 Parallel parking
(1) Unless clause 6.13 applies, a driver or person in charge of a vehicle must not stop, stand, or park the vehicle otherwise than parallel with the direction of the roadway and with the left side of the vehicle as close as practicable to the left side of the road.
(2) However, in a one-way road, the vehicle must face in the same direction as the vehicles proceeding along the road and as close as practicable to either side of the road.
Compare: SR 1976/227 r 35(2)(j)
And
6.13 Parking at angle
(1) If the road controlling authority has indicated that vehicles may be parked only at an angle to the direction of the road-way, a driver must not stand or park a vehicle (other than a cycle) otherwise than in accordance with the direction indicated.
(2) An all terrain vehicle, a motorcycle, a moped, or a cycle may be parked otherwise than parallel with the roadway if during the hours of darkness it is sufficiently illuminated so as to be visible from at least 50 m.
Compare: SR 1976/227 r 35(2)(j)

Thanks. So to be clear, 6.13 means that if I park in an angle park, / / , I must go in front first?

Yes that's how I read it.