Recoginition Upgrades under Airpoints programme can only be used on NZ services. You can use your APD to upgrade your SQ flights under the SAUA (Star Alliance Upgrade Award) but you will need Y or B class to be eligible. Also you would find the value in doing so rather poor. The value is particularly poor with Airpoints in that the APD required to upgrade are nearly the same as redeeming for a reward Business ticket outright.