I am also in NZ - I must say that I don't think your user name is particularly helpful if you are looking for advice here. Most of us here are willing to help, but it's not a good start to call yourself that.
If Whitcoulls have told you that the kobo is out of warranty they are wrong. It is 12 months. Here is a link to the fine print - take it into Whitcoulls.
http://whitcoulls.zendesk.com/entrie...e-what-do-i-do