KJ,
Read the Type Acceptance Report by the NZ CAA
TAR 96/13 – Revision 1 Agusta-Bell AB 206 Series.
And also Agusta Westland IL
AB206-06-004 Interchangeability of Agusta Bell and Bell Helicopter Parts
Original Bell Helicopters components are therefore applicable to Agusta-Bell products when
supplied or authorized by Agusta only
On the other hand Agusta produced parts share no FAA or MOT certification privilege with
Bell furnished parts. Bell Helicopter Textron, for the specific purpose of complying with the
U.S. and Canadian law, do not authorise Agusta components to be installed on U.S. or
Canadian Type certificated and registered products, even though the part numbers are the
same.
For the same reason, Agusta components cannot be installed on BHT aircraft registered
into the EASA Countries, being Agusta not listed as a Bell Helicopter Textron supplier.
For helicopters not under the authority of FAA; MOT or EASA, the Operators shall follow
the policy defined by the Civil Aviation Authorities having jurisdiction on the aircraft and
over the area of operations.
Also you may want to read
NZ CAA Advisory Circular AC-001 Acceptability of Parts
I would think you should talk to the NZ CAA Aviation Safety Adviser (Maintenance North Island) for a definitive answer.
Appreciate that there are numerous licence built types flying in NZ and Australia.
Kawasaki BK's, Kawasaki Hughes so there is precedence.
Let us know what they say.
C-18's are probably getting a little difficult but not impossible.
As they say
"Cheaper, Faster, Better - pick 2"