If you're flying NZ out of AKL be sure to use the dedicated check-in area (far right of the check-in counters). You get to skip queues for check-in (okay ocassionally there is a queue here but never very long), the queue for departure tax (can pay at check-in instead of at the bank like everyone else), and customs (dedicated agent). At busy times it can wipe 30+ minutes off.

The staff in this area are pretty good too