Nice conspiracy theory, but unfortunately it bears no basis to reality. This has been in the works since early 2002.
Air NZ Outperforms Original FY02 Target
Wed 28 August 2002
....."The company's strategic focus is on the start-up of new low-fare Express Class domestic services in November, the development of specifications for the new short-haul international services to be introduced on Tasman and
Pacific Island routes next year, and the revamping of long-haul services in 2004," Mr Palmer said....
Full press release here