What is the best option to retain GC if abroad for longer than one year?

[eunca]

I have lived in the US since 1998 and received my GC in 2008. But since then, I have lived abroad on and off and wasn't able to apply for naturalization. Currently, I am married and living in New Zealand and now unable to visit US at least once a year as I have been doing so far. I have a small daughter and elderly parents to look after. I am quite aware of the residency requirements. My questions is, since I still have deep attachments to the US , what is my best option to be allowed in to the country at a later point?

Also, note:
- my petition for my wife's and daughter's visa is in progress
- I am still operating a small NY-based business that employees 1 US citizen
- Filing taxes (both individual and corporate)
- Maintaining finances and a residential address
- My green card is expiring in Oct 2017
- My last visit to US was about 8 months ago

Or if this a hopeless situation, what should I do? Let the GC expire on it's own or hand over the GC for cancellation?

Any thoughts?

[VNK]

You say you understand the residency requirement. You know the answer then. You know you can not keep your LPR status by living abroad.