I flew this flight in June.

Yes, NZ lounge in SYD. Unsure if you are aware, but their is a very discreet Premium pax line up for Aussie departure authorities, don't miss it.
The AC SYD concierge will be milling about the AC ckin desk in SYD, she is very helpful, of you have any concerns or questions, ask her, she will be dressed in black.

Unsure if you aware of HNL procedures. You have to clear US Customs and INS, can use the JAL lounge for the brief layover (it is airconditioned and located down a level)

YVR customs will be pretty quiet, just make sure you accelerate those legs as soon as soon as you disembark, it is a longish and interesting walk. As long as your flight arrives on times, you will have a max 5 min lineup.

IMO, I would ask your friend to meet 30 min after scheduled landing time. Have your friend go to here http://www.aircanada.ca/e-home.html
enter your flight number and arrival date in the flight status section (left side two thirds of the way down), they can then see if your flight is ontime or not.