So we all agree that it doesn't happen anywhere else in the world but we are OK with it because the NZ Football landscape is "unique"?
Wouldn't it be better for the young Weenix players to have to strive to qualify rather than just be given the spot for existing?
What happens if they finish last in the Central League and get relegated?
Do we know for certain that it's doesn't happen anywhere else in the world, with other small football countries like NZ, that don't have their own professional league?
Does the Vaduz reserve side, get guaranteed a spot in the Liechtenstein top flight, given their first team play in Switzerland? Ditto Singaporean or Brunei teams who compete in the Malaysian Superleague (if that still happens).
As Nelfoos said plenty of reserve teams at European clubs get given a spot in their various 2nd/3rd tiers. It's all about maximising young player development for the overall national football good.
NZF are basically doing the same, just that national 2nd or 3rd tiers don't exist in NZ. The top flight (Handy Prem or the future playoff format) basically already being a development comp.