OK - yeah, I didn't notice that the bond money is NZD and not USD. Though given the slide of the USD lately it's still a lot of money.
Also, the NZD20K is refundable after 12 months only if you are fully qualified to start off with. But this is the curious part for me - if you are fully qualified to start off with, then there is no need to pay for the training?!? I could understand if there is no bond for qualified pilots (ie., on type) and the bond is payable (but refundable) to non-qualified pilots.
Either way, I intend to follow through with this and will ask many questions in the interview. Will also post here more information that I find out (if I find out). Having been burned in business before, I intend to be very prudent!