There would be plenty of takers for a mainline 737 AKL base. New hires I've spoken to are happy to be heading to Perth so it's disingenuous to think AKL would be considered significantly different.
Moreover, if JC domestic flying requires both CASA and AIPA approval (I don't know), can you imagine the uproar should it be granted. AIPA might die along with the 4 engined beasts.
Might be time to start prepping for a Mainline gig before the next crises hits...or maybe that's what JC needs.