"Meanwhile a NZ float operator wants 1000hrs for a 206 job and NCA has readvertised for pilots with 1000 hrs TT "
My guess is that if only hiring a very small number of people, an employer can demand/find any conceivable quals he can imagine.
Years ago, I saw an ad by a guy putting together a contract operation for the US DoD using IL-86s (It didn't ultimately happen) . This meant US citizenship is mandatory.
I figured I might as well contact him and apply cuz..how many US citizens will he possibly find with IL-86 experience ?
The answer ? : FOUR...and two were current in the airplane !
Want a handful of something ? No problem...
Ya gotta just laugh.