We are currently seeing a recruitment slow down. Plenty of operators globally have hold files which will see them through for a while.
It might be worth applying to some of the turboprop operators in PNG they sometimes offer touring rosters so you could return to NZ for your block time off.
PNG also recognises NZ ATPL subjects and will issue an ATPL on basis they are complete.
During the post Covid hiring boom you saw some Airlines in Australia hiring people without CASA ATPLs and an MCC but I doubt that’s the case now.