I don't know what is available in New Zealand, but you can't go wrong with ESP.  the price for the $, the playability, even the sound is good.  If you like active pups, your in luck too.  The only gripe I have with ESP, I hate active pups,  they have non active pups but the higher end guitars don't have a floyd rose unless you get the active pups.  I have an M100FM and love the guitar. The neck is perfect, the pups are good, not active, and the attention to detail and quality are way way way above the price range.  I paid 289$ new.  I always look at value for $, quality and playability.  ESP gets near perfect marks in all categories with the exception of the active pups.  I have played the SE's and don't like them.  As far as PRS is concerned, the only guitars I like of theirs are in the 2G and up price range. The new narrow field pups are georgous! It is all about feel and the lower $ PRS just don't have it.  Sorry Tremonti fans, but it is true, at least for me.

duddddddddddde im in the same boat you are. but if i were you i would go with the tremonti se. i mean its tremonti how can you go wrong