Thanks for comments
Thanks gents for all the comments, it has given me plenty to think about.
The flying in NZ is enjoyable and I quite enjoy the lifestyle, however the pay is pretty poor. I average approximately 46 hours a week duty and have a dual role of base pilot & company quality manager (looking after 23 helicopters over 4 bases). I fly around 250 hours a year predominantly in the tourism/charter role (with the occasional line survey of filming job) and earn the equivalent of 33K sterling. I would like to secure a better paying job either in UK (as we have family in Plymouth & the North West) or possibly the middle east as I have previously spent 12 years in Saudi (as an engineer prior to becoming a pilot) and quite enjoyed it.
Anything you may wish to add with regards to expected remuneration and job availability for a mid-time pilot would be appreciated.
Thanks again for those comments already posted.