Yeah NZ was "recovery above 2,500'", in the States it is recommended (I think in the Practical Test Standard) for recovery above 1,500'. Being affected by affective learning myself, I prefer the above 2,500', depending on the aeroplane and how well I know it. The docile Cherokee just mushes and porpoises, the school's C152 will snap into a spin if the student decides to pick up the dropped wing with aileron.
Altitude above you is one of the three things most useless to a pilot.