New Zealand does not require a Flt Plan for VFR in uncontrolled airspace, and in fact one doesn't need it to enter CA, but of course you need an ATC clearance before entering - and a transponder.
One can file of course for a modest fee, but no routine flight following is done, and there is no need to pass routine position reports, the only real purpose is to establish a SARWATCH time, at which time the Dogs of War are unleashed to look for you if you haven't closed the flt. plan or amended the SARWATCH time.
Until recently it was possible to cancel, or amend, the SARWATCH on a free cellphone number, now an expensive call -or by landline or computer, which can be difficult at a remote location - so guess what, flight plans are not being filed because of the difficulty of amending the SARWATCH time for the return flight if it wasn't done on VHF whilst still airborne, which of course is still a possibility, but not always after landing.
Also, a previously free Online G.A. Met service was provided, now an annual, or monthly fee is required, and for the average Joe who would be happy to pay for Met. on a one-off basis -as one can for the flight plan when they want to fly - they are not prepared to pay in advance for a long term service that may be only infrequently used.
It will be interesting to see if these changes are reflected in future accident statistics. AOPA NZ and local groups are trying to bring pressure on the authorities to reconsider, but have had no success to date.