As the OP, I want to thank everyone for your comments. It sounds as though they have computers with free internet access? Or I could have used the internet but at a slower speed? If so, that completely infuriates me.

Here's what happened. I came into the lounge, they swiped my card and let me in. I went to get some food and saw that they only had soup and salad. Since I was about to get on a 5.5 hour flight to Vancouver (with no free food on that plane), with a very short layover in Vancouver, I knew the next free food I'd get was on the plane to Auckland (Air NZ has great meals even in economy). I was a little surprised because I am used to good food in the lounge and good food on the planes -- for free. I guess Air NZ is pretty crazy that way!

So I thought, "OK, I'll have a little soup and salad, but since I haven't eaten for hours and I won't eat a full meal for about 10 hours, I need to go buy some food before I get on the plane." So I ate some and then went to the desk to ask about the password for internet. (I hadn't tried to log on yet.) I was told that since I was Star Alliance Gold, I would have to pay for internet access. I couldn't believe it! I said, "I need to skype my daughter before I leave - she's expecting to talk to me and she will be very upset if I just don't call in." They were stony faced and said NOTHING about how there were computers I could use, or that I could access free internet but pay for a faster speed, etc. I was the only person at the desk and there were at least 3 "customer service" people there, and they just didn't care. Finally one woman said, "There's free internet in the concourse." I said, "You send your Star Alliance guests down to the concourse for internet?"

I did have to sit on the floor because my battery was dead and I had to find a plug. The only one I could find was next to a plug for cleaners and yes, it was dusty and dirty there.