I think you will find that hughesy was giving you a heads up on what it is like pay wise in NZ.
Sure there will be someone who gets there nose out of joint in any country you move to, thinking you are taking a job away from them.
It goes on in all job sectors, but thats another story.
I don't know what type of flying you are looking for in NZ, but i am thinking you aren't wanting to fly up and down a glacier all day with your hours?
Maybe rescue/police or Ag?
I think rescue pilots are on around $70 thou NZ per year, that could have changed? But other than getting a high flying time Ag job, I don't know of many jobs that pay more than $55 - $60 thou per year.
In regards to converting your license, I cant help you to much, I would get in contact with some of the flight schools over there, e.g Nelson Aviation College, North Shore Helicopters, or the school at Ardmore in Auckland.
I think you will have to do all the exams and a flight test I guess?
There are a lot of lower hour guys looking for work out there like every where, but good luck with your venture.