Virgin Blue also requires right of abode too. (Australian and New Zealand have practically invisible borders these days).
VB, it helps but it isn't essential. I haven't filled out an application for them, I believe it is done through pilotcv any way.
So for the first part it is basicly automated.
However, without right of abode, not much can be done.
DId you have a good look around the Immigration site? There are often ways and means of working around things.