Air NZ is not a burden on the taxpayer in any way, shape or form.
Air NZ does not receive any taxpayer assistance.
If you are referring to Helen investing in them - it was an INVESTMENT , not a handout. They have to give it back, with interest.
It is no different to Pero and his mates investing in Origin Pacific.
In fact the two are very similar - Air NZ was dead without the government, Origin was even deader without Pero and his mates. At least Air NZ paid it's bills, unlike Origin.
It constantly amazes me that allegedly intelligent pilots don't understand the difference between an investment and a handout.