Air New Zealand Air Points - NZ code - EY metal

I have the 'pleasure' of taking EY to the Middle East soon in Y-class. They seem to be offering the most competitive fares - in fact the only fares worth considering.
I understand that I will earn airpoints on the EY sectors but not status points. If one of the flights is an EY-coded VA flight, will this earn airpoints?

Any ideas if I buy the NZ-coded EY flights rather than EY coded EY flights, will this get me into the EY lounges in SYD and AUH given I am GE?

The difference in fare is small so for a 6 hour layover, lounge access is a deciding factor.

Don't these alliances/codeshares make life easy!?

Yes, according to this:

http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/co-operation-partners-etihad-airways

It might be an idea to print that page out, although I understand they're up to the play with DJ elites.

Thanks, Shazzadude,
I look all over for these sorts of factsheets, but I could only find a paragraph outlining the points position. A bit mean on the status points stance, given it is their marketed flight, but small mercies and all that.

And my travel desk tells me they have secured 38E, which sounds possibly one of the least appealing seats to be stuck in for 15 hours.

have just booked AKL - CAI flying EY in J. Looked at all options but found EY to be pretty good for routing and durations. Tried to book the flight using NZ codes, but the fare was quite a bit higher than the EY fare for the same flights. I also thought I'd give EY a go for the first time.

Dont get any status points, but as I've just ticked over 2500 for the year, there is not a lot of point with any more. As GE you should have lounge access.

I have also enjoyed EY in J from Manchester. It is a great experience - a bit like Qatar. They have upgraded the airport from the hole it used to be and I have heard that their business lounge in AUH is excellent.

I have also flown them in Y and I am dreading the flight, especially as I start work almost the minute I walk/limp off the flight.

I was just wondering if I need to fly on an NZ code in order to use the lounges.