Originally Posted by
flyerCO
No STE+ isn't an arrival lounge benefit. You need an onward flight to use it.
He had an onward flight, just not one on SkyTeam (SYD-AKL). But it doesn't matter, any onward flight will do.
https://www.skyteam.com/en/about/faq/lounge-access/
International First and Business Class passengers, as well as SkyTeam Elite Plus members traveling in Economy Class, enjoy complimentary access to more than 629 worldwide member lounges on the day of travel when flying on or connecting to or from an international flight operated by a SkyTeam carrier.