Hardly. NZ is actually one of the more generous Star Alliance members: they treat *G as their own Golds/Elites for preferred seating, as well as for carry-on baggage allowance.

This in additional to the standard lounge access, checked baggage allowance, priority boarding/security that comes from being *G

It's not all about award seats that determines Star Alliance ties. NZ's award program is dollar-based like WestJet and a bit different for them to release classic award saver space that even their own members cannot access.