Maybe I am missing something here, but the way I read this is that the OP missed a domestic connection because their inbound Air NZ international flight was delayed - all on one ticket.
If that's the case, I think what he and Air NZ is perfectly acceptable. I've been in a similar situation and been told there were no flights at all during the day and to come back tomorrow. That is totally unacceptable for a full-fare J class top-tier FF just off a long-haul flight.
IRROPS happen and with very full domestic flights at the moment, Air NZ should ask of volunteers to take a later flight in this type of situation. Similarly, they should (which they don't) 'flow forward' aka Qantas when there late intl inbounds, or (worst case) hold domestic departures.