Hello

To answer my own question above: the NZ flights open up about 6+ weeks after the AC flights. So I was able to grab AKL-BNE and Add it to my already booked BNE-YVR-YUL AC flights.

Yes, it does cost $75+tx per ticket (I'm Diamond with Aeroplan, otherwise $100+tx per ticket) to add this segment. But it is definitely the way to go as the BNE-YVR J seats disappear VERY quickly.

BTW, lots of availability with Air NZ, even after I grabbed my 2 J seats. However, never saw the direct AKL-YVR flight. I assume the Aeroplan portal is forcing me towards an AC flight through SYD or BNE