Good posts. H-Man, I came to NZ after doing a bit of research on pprune.
I wouldn't say you would save a great deal over what it will cost at an airfield near your house for the likes of a PPL - remember there are accommodation costs, and general living expenses, plus the flight out is not cheap. The rough budget flyingwise is around $8-9000 NZ. having said that the cost of living is buttons compared to the UK and its a good rate of exchange (for us) at the moment which helps.
The savings really kick in after the PPL gaining hours and just enjoying touring the country - eg an (equivalent) hourly wet hire of under £40 for either Cherokee or Robin R2160. Complex aircraft starting with PA28-200R at £45 so you can see the cost savings there.
As Luke has pointed out above, there is no point going further than a PPL and hours building, as CPL and IR from Aussie and NZ are worth diddley squat under the current rules. You can convert a PPL from NZ to UKJAR licence as long as you have 100 hours and must take the UK flight test and law exam. I think you get waived from having to do the RT rating.
Apart from anything else, it is a lovely country to fly in - very scenic, and the people are great fun. As you are already halfway through your PPL in the UK, you should continue with it there. Try coming out to Aussie or NZ when you want to build hours pre CPL, and have a great time into the bargain instead of the usual first thought of going to the States.
There are quite a few training organisations, and loads of Aero Clubs all up and down the country. look on
www.webwings.co.nz for a list of Aero clubs.
If I can help any further please don't hesitate.
Regards,
Laurie.