Can I apply for a holiday work permit 12 months early?

I do/did, but as a back-up plan I wanted to know if I have the option.
To avoid feelings of complete helplessness every time there is a hick-up, now that I only have a month to go until I get to NZ.
It also drives me nuts to know that MONTHS of time on my UK visa would be wasted away because I'd be applying too early.

**But just to clarify, because information from other posts/website is a little overwhelming.

What I believe is correct:
That it is no issue if I enter the UK months after my UK visa has been approved, as long as I am there before the expiration date of the visa itself.

What I've read that that seems wrong, but concerns me:
That if I'm not going to enter the UK right away, I have the option of post dating my application by 3 months, but arriving later than the date provided with the post-dated visa would "expire or cancel" the visa.