It's difficult enough for a Kiwi to fly for Air NZ as there is very little movement. That has been the case for half a decade now and only people on YES letters, and they have been on them for years now, are getting in; even then it is a trickle. Once they figure out how to make the 65 to 70 year olds retire, then perhaps there will be some real movement.
I'm no longer with Air NZ by the way. I went contracting for a couple of years on a commute and have been with Virgin Australia (New Zeland) for just over a year; and have made captain. To me, by far the better choice at the moment in Australasia is the Virgin Group. But just my two cents.
With a work permit you could come here by the way. Air NZ you'll need permanent resdicence.
Yes, it is a very nice area of the world.