Finally got some replies from NAC and I followed up with NMIT. They are of course giving all positions to Kiwi's as expected.
Hi Michael,
Sorry, I didn’t pick up that you are an Australian. If I had realised, I would have told you exactly the same thing. This will be true of all our providers as this reflects NMIT’s position with scarcity of government funded positions for Pilot Training, which has been especially tight recently. My apologies for the oversight.
I wish you all the best in finding somewhere to study though!
NMIT
Dear Michael
In response to your enquiry, due to the limited number of government funded places available for pilot training, we must give priority to New Zealand citizens before Australia citizens. Therefore, we’re unable to consider your application under the student loan system at this time. If you would like to self fund your training, we would welcome your application.
Nelson Aviation College