surf0,
The simple facts are that it can be done....but you need to get all your ducks in a row.
I did it the JAR license and exam thingi (from a NZ CPL)in 2000-01 with 1500hrs TT and got a TP job straight from the get go.
I would strongly advise you to heed Reddo, AH, and Scroggs in what they've got to say.
In my experience the medical is a bit of a non-issue i.e. if you hold a NZ class 1, you should have no problems gaining a JAR class 1..as long as you don't have extenuating circumstances.
As far as your employability, well right now you have ZERO prospects...that is until you have the license in hand that is recognized. After that, all bets are off, the world can be your oyster etc etc.....
One last thing, understand that flying a B1900 in NZ is a totally different kettle of fish to flying in Europe, I'm not saying its any harder, but it is very very different to the experience that I suspect you have.
You will also find the company culture of many operators here rather different to what you currently experience in a Link operator...its difficult to explain, but you will get the idea if you come here.
Cheers H
P.S. depends on who you visit...between £100 and £150 more if you have an EKG etc..