hiya,
just read your post - I am in the same dilemma.
I'm currently finishing my degree and planning to head out to Christchurch afterwards to do my CPL/IR.
Could start in August or january, but have decided to go for jan, as the weather is sure to be awesome.
I was in CHC during aug last year and wouldn't have wanted to fly in some of the weather I saw ! This way, by the time the dodgy weather rolls around, I'll hopefully have a bit more experience to be able to deal with it !
Hope to see you out there - fellow irish company always appreciated !
best of luck, dj.