Hi Batz, I've tried the NZ Goldings a few times (as flowers, not pellets though, nor the current 2009 crop), found them as per the vague description but very pleased with the subtle flavour and enjoyable perfume while bittering was quite rounded and not aggressive or objectionable. The late/ dry hops addition in a SMaSH English pale was quite delicate and had an optimum window peaking about a month from bottling for savouring but tailed off a few more months thereafter, which was a little bit disappointing- I should've drunk it all young! Still made for a cracking ESB though...
I quite like them as a traditional aroma/ late and all of the Goldings derivatives I've tried seem to have that slightly sweet, flowery base profile which I find quite agreeable. If I had to distinguish between them and EKG, the NZ Goldings are more delicate and not quite as robust, whereas EKG have a perhaps more pronounced spiciness, although differing rates would obviously dictate. If you wanted to zing up parts of the flavour spectrum or add some diversity, EKG would lend much more spiciness and perhaps mint than NZG, but they are in a roughly similar vein. I enjoy the subtlety of NZG to be honest as I readily tire of being smacked in the face by hops. It depends to some extent on the desired style too, I'd suggest being prepared for these easily- swamped characteristics, they're certainly not muted or absent, it just takes a little fore- thought to get the best out of them.
My 2c, hope that helps. :icon_cheers:
Also, Many thanks BribieG for the heads up about the NZ Styrians. I don't think you'd be disappointed with NZ Goldings in a best bitter, suits the style well too (it'd want to considering the parentage...), not aggressively over- hopped and unlike some styles that have arguments breaking out amongst each of the hops as to who is the boss and causing a kerfuffle with the yeast and malts!