Originally Posted by b1m9t0

Pardon? Don't think to speak on behalf of New Zealand citizens, especially if you are not one. New Zealand is its own sovereign state and the government passes legislation for New Zealand as it sees fit. The government is also a majority shareholder in Air New Zealand. If Air New Zealand's refund policy was so abhorrent to taxpayers then there are mechanisms for it to be addressed and the law to change.

The USA and EU have such laws in place because they are significantly larger markets and experience significantly more delays and flight cancellations than [Air] New Zealand. A once in 100 year global pandemic is not necessarily justification to introduce laws demanding Air New Zealand and other airlines operation here refund in this and that situation. If anything, it is likely it would happen in conjunction with Australia.