Pay
Air NZ starting $60K + allowances = upto $120,000 total take home, dont forget to pay Helen 40% of the top half.
CX, at current exchange rate starting is about $85K allowances including housing very quickly take this upto $150000, with only 15% tax. Also after year two the pay jumps up to obout $200000
Progression,
Air NZ, widebody SO to FO going at 9 years.
CX, (widebody....they are all widebodies) SO to commnd going at about 9 years
As far as lifestyle, CX do have a base in AKL but its about 4-5 years to get it from joining.