I was also vindicated in regards to my latex issues! Ahah! It was probably imported into NZ by air, which froze it or got it very cold.
http://www.alconeco.com/Products/Character/Aging-Makeup/Paramount-Liquid-Latex
http://www.artmolds.com/molding-supplies/liquid-latex-rubber.html
So a warning to fellow Kiwis especially as this is common for us due to our small islands surround by sea issue.