Thanks for the responses - most helpful. Especially to know that there is a lounge we can use in HNL - benighted airport that it is - as I know there will be no Star lounges available at that time.
Taupo, re the premium pax line when leaving SYD, unfortunately that has been discontinued.

Then again, I've never had to wait more than 90 seconds, on the *A side anyway (the QF side can get much busier).