If you are heading to MEL again, I highly recommend using ANZ YVR-AKL-MEL. A number of reasons: (1) you don't need to transfer int'l to domestic at SYD which is a pain, far apart different terminal buildings, 45 minutes, 2x on return trip. Transfer at AKL is walking from arrival level up to departure level 10-15 minutes (2) no lounge while transfer at SYD, at AKL enjoy ANZ's flagship lounge (3) inconvenient early morning MEL-SYD flgiht to catch AC, ANZ departs MEL in the afternoon for AKL connection (4) AP points as usual. (5) ANZ J is way better than AC J.