NZ is an interesting aspect of our business indeed. At DJ we have our own version of 'Jetconnect' called PacBlue. Dj was requiring crew to carry passports because they said we would be needed if any nz crew went sick in Oz and we could be pulled off reserve to fill in. How that was meant to work was never really explained.
NOW - we've been told we no longer need to carry our passports as...get this..the NZ avaition authority has given the go ahead for PAc Blue to operate 737-800 aircraft with..drum roll please... 3 CREW!! Thats right folks, 180 seat jet with four primary exit doors - 3 cabin crew. Now I'm sure thats only a last resort due to illness, etc and the pax numbers would have to be capped at the NZ ration 1:50, but it goes to show you the lack of interest the airlines and the authorities (in both OZ and NZ) have for SAFETY!!!!!