hi, i was the same as you, a kiwi looking to come to the UK to fly.
i have been here 7 years and working for a long-haul airline and i have to say.......if you want to work every hour of the day and not have a social life in the uk then go for it. But if not look at other airlines....trust me
THEY DON'T CARE, THEY JUST WON'T WORKERS!!!!
Good luck
p.s dont do RYANAIR