To be honest, I think that Singapore Airlines probably wanted to do a direct service from Singapore to Wellington, but due to the size of the runway at Wellington, they decided to try Canberra knowing that the CEO of the airport has always loved the idea of international routes and he has showed expression of interest for the CBR to WLG route. I maybe wrong but this is my opinion on the scenario. Also, I don't think the route would last very long without VA and ANZ codesharing it. I wouldn't pick SIA - CBR as earning a profit. Then again, I maybe wrong