Gal,
I can understand the need to be a thrifty quilter. I am also am on the lookout at thrift stores looking for the treasures, but haven't found any yet. DH and I were just in Auckland in October visiting my DD and DSIL who are there while she does post grad work at the Uni. I did visit the quiltshop in Devonport and found a Bernina store in the suburbs of Auckland that sold a little fabric. Wow! Quilting is an even more expensive hobby in NZ! The OP stores are great. That is where my DD goes looking for clothes and has gotten some great buys.
We are visiting again in November and hope to hit the South Island. I'll try to remember to wave as we fly over.