That eighth character is not the usual Australian U. It's an A, meaning Pan European, and standard (non-ABS, non-police) at that.
It was built for either the UK or Austria or Italy or European Direct Sales. Some say the serial number at the end can narrow it down to a single market, like the UK.
The Y in spot number ten means Honda considers it a year 2000 model. And Honda makes up the parts lists. The 4 in spot twelve is consistent with year 2000, and it is why I ruled out the Spanish and French Pans. I've yet to see a Pan with a Honda year of 2001.
I can't confirm that the USA firm I mentioned conducted tours in Europe (hence the use of Pans for the tour).
But the bike's owner should consult European parts lists labeled year 2000, or year code Y, in my opinion.
(I think NZ calls it 2001 because that's when it was registered down under.)