Jets, I too recall the 8 international trips being introduced but I think they ditched that a few years back....not long after they introduced it! I know that there are still two coming from NZ and no grandfather rights. It is staff travel after all so it's a 'privilege' rather than an 'entitlement' and so new joiners are on the same deal that you and I are on.
Commuting from NZ would be possible but it's a big ask. Same as commuting from PER. There are guys that do it but those that do it very successfully generally have a decent amount of seniority.