Based on comments on forums I was under the impression that the Apple Stores have waiting lists but whether they would add a name to the list based on a casual phone call from New Zealand might be questionable.
I'm fairly sure they won't even do that for people in Australia. I don't think a waiting list is merely phoning up and saying "please hold one". I've had Oz friends on that list and it included placing the order....then waiting til it arrived and order then being processed. Given that they'd need to take details from you, I suspect your other approach might be a better one.
Phil