Originally Posted by Mwenenzi

Yes: many do, especially if you do not live in SYD or AKL (where most USA long haul depart/arrive).
There are many trans Tasman (Au NZ) flights from/to smaller Au NZ airports.
For example flying ADL-AKL-LAX (on Air NZ) is a viable option to ADL-SYD-LAX (on QF). And avoid the pain of a domestic to international terminal transfer at SYD.
I have family in NZ who prefer to transit SYD instead of AKL. (separate domestic & international terminals like SYD)

It it unknown if the management of Air Sydney (some times known as Qantas) are aware there are people who do not live in SYD.
It it unknown if the management of Air Auckland (some times known as Air NZ) are aware there are people who live south of the Bombay Hills.
Hence the many long haul flights from SYD & AKL