Putting on a diplomatic hat here, and hiding under the table, I would say that my impression is that nolasmom (maybe or maybe not feeling a bit p***ed off and homesick) is warning other Americans that New Zealand is not some far off US state with the standards and gimmicks expected worldwide by some fellow Americans (even though we do have a lot of their tv shows here).
Her warning is a valid one for Brits too, because Brits are used to certain standards too, e.g. heating, glazing, upright vacuum cleaners, Bisto gravy granules.
Dawn is right in that there is a good opportunity to import and educate the masses (... well, the NZ population) on so many different products. Or supply fellow American expats like yourself. You have to start quick though, for if you stay here too long you become just as indifferent to change and progress as the rest of us (must be something in the water).
:o)