Air NZ not alone
Many carriers have overseas bases; and whilst on the surface the airlines pretend it is all for cultural and language purposes...it boils down to cost savings.
BA have bases in NRT,HKG,SIN,BLR,DEL,BOM,MAA,BAH,CAI,MEX,GRU,EZE...
BA have increased the number of "ICC-International Cabin Crew" on India routes...why it saves money. Just as taking an ICC member off NRT-LHR saves money. BA are currently trying to oust HKG based crew in favour of cheaper new hire SIN based crew...
Do you think QF/NZ/UA/JL/NH/CX would have bases in LHR if they weren't producing huge savings?
UA has 2 Foreign National bases in SIN/BKK...these crew work for peanuts compared to AFA represented US/UK/Germany/Japan/HKG based crew.
QF has many many crew employed in NZ under the guise of Jet Connect---is this for language/cultural reasons...NO it because they get more out of NZ crew vs. OZ crew.
Unfortunately folks, this practice is here to stay, and is part of our "global economy"...like it or not. Just all the more reason to join your airline's unon, and have ONE strong union flight for the collective good of the work group!