NZ is the same. Only the check captains have to worry about it, as the ATPL paperwork is slightly different from a normal proficiency check. But the line pilot doesn't see much difference between a proficiency check and an ATPL issue test.
Exactly. From what i've been hearing from companies here in Oz, the same will apply. A command proficiency line check as it already has been done here, will tick the boxes of the ATPL flight test.
Not really sure why people are making a big deal out of this.