SBF145
I guess experience is a relative thing.
Im sorry I dont know much about the "NZ experience thing" and the genesis of it so I will reserve comment, but on the surface it sounds like a fairly dumb idea. however as much as it appears like its some sort of protectionist mechanism, Ill bet theres some other logic behind it that someone thought a good idea at the time..... just dont ask me what.
I hold/held a few diff licences over the years, they have all had their idiosyncrasies in obtaining.
And your correct, I wouldnt be paid $11.50/hr to fly a C172. But often "pay" considerably more to enjoy that sort of flying myself.
Good luck with your career path, I doubt being a non NZ national in itself will be an impediment.