Jamesb,
Don't know who as told you that about the Australian licence.
The only difference is the nz licence you get a night rating - Australia recognise this by restricting you to a 3nm circle around an airport - useless
You get a sling rating in NZ , what use this is to a new cpl holder I don't know
And they give you a mountain awareness course , in Australia you do ridge and pinnacle landings