Dave,
I have burned up the phone lines with both AC and ANZ which I found to be both completely useless. As the flights were booked in house through my company and not through the airline I have no idea what the fare paid was and neither do the airlines. I've tried asking politely but i've gotten nowhere with the company which means they most likely got them for a 'special' price. In an attempt to get around this i've asked for flights later in the day in question as i've been told the flights currently booked are pretty early with ANZ so i've requested to go later based on research showing AC flights later in the day which seems to be the best option.
Not to mention the flight i'm currently booked on from YVR-AKL is booked solid from tip to tail it means it will be a cramped, smelly, generally discouraging journey especially when you factor in being completely blanked on the miles...

Will post any updates I get along the way as being an American company they've decided its their right to take a week off to celebrate one day...go figure?!?