Remoak
And what is the alternative? Flying crappy old geriatric GA aircraft while living in a hole, eating 2min noodles and scrounging around the aero club skip looking for extra food. Hmmm I know which I'd choose!
I know which I'd choose as well. NEITHER!
Seriously. It's all very well to embark on a career change that will "give you the job you have always wanted". But if that means financial ruin, divorce, etc, then you've got to take a step back and be realistic about it.
Sounds like a flying career for J* in NZ means that you'll be earning a low income and paying off a massive debt. Six years later you have to go overseas and fly in a developing nation or the Sandpit to earn a middle income. You'll come back to work in NZ for your retirement job on an even lower income; the only reason is by now you're getting old and will do anything to come back home.
If that is truly the flying career in NZ, then I would do something else.
Dreams are dreams, but reality takes priority.
DIVOSH!