I know what you mean about getting parts sent across, a few times I've had people email to say its too expensive to make it worth while, in other words I can't be arsed to find out how much shipping is.
Having said that bayford parts (bayford.com.au) are pretty good, the export manager guy couldn't be more Australian if he tried.
I'm deciding what to do with my exhaust as well, tossing up between a single 3in or a twin 2 1/4in. Got a custom exhaust guy local to me who will do a twin stainless 2 1/4 from the cats back for just shy of £500, but its not mandrel bent so I'm a bit iffy about it. Tempted to go the 3in purely for the sound. I'll wait til I've got the pacemakers on before I decide either way.
Where were you in NZ? I was in Papakura.
Got any pics XR6T's are car porn!