I have an email from someone I gave a loan to in 2006 which confirms it, and how it will be repaid but hasn't. What is the statue of limitations in NYS?

Have they made ANY payments against this debt ?

In NYS its 6 years for any type of debt. If there has been no activity on the debt since 2006 you may be approaching the expiration. If you need to file suit you better do so quickly.