I'm a little confused as to the situation regarding transfers on a Star Alliance reward.

Essentially what I want to do is fly on NZ from SYD to one of the pacific islands via AKL.

The relevant rules are as follows:
_________
Stopovers
-No stopovers are allowed for awards <= 50.000 (E), 75.000 (B) and 100.000 (F) miles
·1 stopover on entire journey if award is 70.000–120.000 (E), 105.000-180.000 (B) and 140.000-240.000 (F) miles

-Stopover counts as connecting flight
_________

Then it goes on to say...

__________
Connecting Flights
·1 transfer in each direction allowed for awards of 25.000–30.000(E), 35.000-45.000 (B) and 50.000-60.000 (F) miles
__________

Is it just me or do the rules seem to be contradicting themselves? You are allowed one transfer in each direction, this transfer counts as a stopover and you are not permitted a stopover.

(This is based on the applicable reward fare for an intra Australia/Pacific award)

Is someone in the know and if so could they clarify this please?

Best Regards

Bradley