Hi All
I just made ELITE the other week also, on my AKL-LAX flight. I asked Air New Zealand to check my status and they said it was still basic not *Gold and that they wouldnt give me lounge access, not that I asked or needed it thanks to Priority Pass.
Anyway was a little Angry as had flown that AKL-LAX-AKL 2 times in the last 2 weeks one in Business and one in Economy, and still couldnt get my requested seat assignment so had to demand that they give me a exit door thus checking in 6 hours early to get it.
I only hope *Gold will help me a little more than NZ treat there Economy class passengers.

Dave what part of NZ? Send me a email.

Dave