Is this such a huge problem? So long as people don't have to deplane, a fuel stop shouldn't be that much of a business issue—especially given the lack of appealing alternatives for NYC-AKL travelers. "Fine, it's a direct flight with a 45-minute stop on the way. What you gonna do about it?"
I might even start marketing it as a direct flight with a super-convenient seventh-inning stretch on the Nadi tarmac.