Oh no they didn't. They chose the equipment most likely to theoretically increase their chances of getting in to aerodromes in marginal weather, whilst cynically ignoring the clear safety benefits of an autoflight system. In other words, they were compelled by their bottom line, and somewhat less interested in maximising safety.
It is yet another example of the outdated attitudes that pervade the airlines in NZ. Ever since the complacency of the times of Erebus, NZ has been ignoring the worldwide developments in Human Factors research. From the original Swedavia report (regarded as laughable by other aviation authorities), to the present CAA refusal to accept any responsibility for safety, the whole system needs a major overhaul.
Things were much better in the days of MoT-CAD.