Thanks for the detailed response, Mwenenzi We'll be in Auckland for a few years at least.

I've done a bit of research and was going to go United until the recent updates to their tier qualifications. Looked into ANZ and agree that their program is generally pretty poor. I've since gotten a little more creative and am considering KrisFlyer and Aegean. As I'll be buying a seat for my toddler, I like Aegean's pooling. And our long-haul flights as a family would also qualify my wife for at least silver.