Divorcing jack,
Australia has the same problem as every one else. Too many people chasing too few a jobs. In Oz (unlike UK/Europe) your first job is likely to be either instructing or in some remote place flying a C182 or C206/7. There is work around but you'll have to fight fang and claw for it.
Again, the hardest part is emigrating not the licence. With your age etc and a degree it shouldn't be impossible. As with any bureaucracy, knowing what to say on the application form is vital.
Asian airlines usually want at least 1000-2000 hours on either turboprops or jets.
As for the cost of converting a NZ CPL with IR (ATPL subjetcts) to a JAR equivalent? I'd budget at least another 5-10,000 pounds on top of what you would have already spent in NZ.
Sounds dire I know. Never ever believe what the flying schools tell you regarding the job situation.