The so called "contract" pilots will actually be Emirates pilots with a thread back to NZ. The only difference to other EK pilots with the same options is that the EK/NZ link will be official. I don't see any sledging of the other pilots on this thread.
As for NZALPA representation, I heard the board were on there way to Dubai next week to hold discussions with AAR about terms and conditions for their members.....
Serioulsy, I guess they will have representation in NZ and globally through IFALPA should they ever require it. Nothing stopping any of us from joining an afilliated body and paying the appropriate fees but I doubt that you will get value for money if you require representation in a Sharia court.
....as for
work against the interests of the larger group
Now which unified group would that be?
Why does the tone have to be so animostic towards a group of predominately FO's trying to gain employment with Emirates. Just like you and I did.