Prior to changing your status, QF seem to also look at any future travel with them. If you have multiple future sectors already in your bookings on your profile it could help.

You could also call them & argue that you intended to travel with them, but due to the inductrial action and fleet grounding, you had to book with an alternative carrier.

I would have though that QF would take a lenient view as they need as many real frequent flyers as they can get at the moment.

Otherwise, you may need to travel to NZ & back in J in the next few days.... IMHO J on a QF 737 isn't that good but may be worth the requal.