Thanks for the feedback guys. In response to your questions:

Awpeters: I've already done Seattle, can't think of anything worse than a 8 hour 757 red eye special to ANC return, and doing DFW for the NHRA Drag racing on the first half. Second half in DFW is purely a zone 3 earner (other intermediary stops like ORD do not earn as much when considered in full to JFK). Thanks for your suggestions anyway.

Serfty: I considered the option you raise however I've read numerous reports here that state the AA NZ number simply diverts to AA BNE. When I quizzed them about doing this last time that told me that they can see that you are calling from an AUS number and then deny your NZ origination. Even mobiles will identify your origin within their system apparently.

I tried to use the online RTW booking tool but for some reason it won't let me chose the AA codeshare for the AKL-SYD flight; not sure if this is a region/locale issue or something to do with first flight? Anyone been able to do this successfully?

Downunderflyer: The citiies I have listed are places I do actually want to go to. I did some research on the likes of MCT, ANC etc all for a few extra SCs but decided that they weren't worth it.

WRT wasting 2 segments, I think its really only 1 segment (AKL-SYD in D). The other downside to originating NZ is that CX only offers D from HKG to AKL which means fewer SCs. All up, if I originate from NZ I can save approximately $1000 but I get 100 SCs fewer. At local domestic earn rates thats about on par, so for the sake of convenience I am almost prepared to pay QF the YQ (even though it erks me).

Kiwi Flyer: As far as I know LA also charges the YQ component? In which case there's no advantage over booking with QF. I'm also weary of booking with LA based on the experiences described by others on this forum when trying to get help or change things with LA.

Thanks all.