United pulled out of New Zealand after 9/11 and there is some talk about their going back in. However, one of the reasons given for pulling out was the very high cost to maintain the ground staff to service a flight or two a day. I rather doubt Delta or anyother American carrier (other than possibly United) would consider going to Auckland. I don't think the money is there. Even with the $$ United makes, it only runs two 747 flights a day into Sydney.The New Zealand govt. props up Air New Zealand as they've got to have the service. Air Tahiti certainly would be a shorter option than Korean Air. I'm in Australia right now (15th trip) and I've scouted out all the options. Just not there. Blame the Delta pilots. Remember when Delta and United started an agreement that never really materialized? The Delta pilots opposed it. It would have eventually included international code shares.