That Air Nelson requirement seems a bit archaic, and will be to their detriment in the next few years as they scrape the barrel of local pilots, particularly with so much Dash 8 experience out there in the big wide world.
Eagle (smallest of the ANZ link operators with B1900Ds) have no such requirement, and recent new hires have included a good number of expats (from Aus, Africa and Europe). While pay and conditions are well below Mt Cook and Air Nelson, it is a good stepping stone back into the Kiwi industry, they are on StaffCV.
Hope that helps
HH, your welcome mate - you bring the
VB