Really, the only surprise in this news is that it didn't happen as soon as Freedom had effectively taken KiwiJet/Ewen Wilson out of the equation. That was after all, basically the only reason Freedom was established!
Just another example of AirNZ's anti-competitive, biggest-bully-on-the-block business mentality. We've seen it before, we'll see it again. I reckon it'll be interesting to see what happens if/when they try this stunt or similar on Richard Branson! His cheque-book has got to be damn near as deep as the NZ Govt's!!! Whilst I would hate to see the National carrier gone or irrepairably damaged, I would dearly love to see them dealt a dose of their own!