Quite normal that status benefit's do not carry over to codeshares on non alliance airlines

Will be a lot cheaper to buy before the flights.
Probably will not work with an NZ codeshare on QF, but have you tried the PNR in the QF manage booking
https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-...l-baggage.html
https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-...equipment.html
Or phone QF

Having spent too many days/nights/weeks in Gladstone it is not the most exciting place in Queensland