horserun
I've noticed that too. Sometimes this degree thing seems to be used an as excuse when what the company is really saying is, you're too old, but we can't say that because it's against the law. Or for some other reason, they don't like someone, but rather than telling them the real reason, along comes the old degree requirement.
Who knows what really goes on behind the scenes, but the simple fact is there are not enough suitably qualified and experienced pilots with degrees to fill all Air NZs slots in the long term, so there will be plenty without them that get interviews.