Ok, so I booked a NZ flight SYD-CHC-xxx where the SYD-CHC flight is operated by VA (and the onward flight is operated by NZ). I could have sworn I took this exact same flight in the past where it was operated by NZ, but things seem to have changed and I somehow managed to miss the fineprint about the codeshare.

Long story short, I think I´m somewhat screwed, but still have two minor questions:

1) Would I be able to check-in online on the NZ website even though the first flight is operated by VA? (Strangely enough, I do not have a VA booking code)
2) It seems NZ *G members get *G benefits such as lounge access, priority check-in etc. on NZ flights operated by VA according to this site. Does this agreement only apply to NZ *G members, or does it apply to all *G members?

Thanks!