My GF and I were successful in booking LAX-NAN-AKL and the return this October in award J. For LAX-NAN, she's in J and I'm in Y and I've been checking daily for award J to open so we can sit together. I figure 3 out of 4 ain't bad.
Also, we were on the 747 on LAX-NAN when we booked but it looks like they've already moved that flight to the A330. There are actually LESS seats in J on the Airbus so hopefully my chances are still good.
I say keep checking and good luck to you.