Don`t blame Air New Zealand - if anything, they probably extended Ansett`s life.
Look at the previous owners and managers - why do you think Rod Eddington blew in and blew out so quickly?
Air New Zealand, in their enthusiasm to wield power over Aussies, overlooked the considerable debt and day-to-day running expenses of Ansett.
ANZ, however, is that (small) countries National flag carrier, and as such will NOT be allowed to fail. Even if it means a Government buyout.
The New Zealand government has a responsibility to Kiwis (and sheep), but not to an Australian domestic airline, that was one of three.
Be fair guys.
If Shell (Royal Dutch Shell) the petroleum company that employs tens of thousands of Aussies was about to go titsup, how would Australians react if the Dutch demanded that the Australian government was financially responsible for dragging them out of the poo?