I have booked 4 separate ticket for domestic Air New Zealand flights. I booked "flexirefund fares" since the price difference is not a huge increase. In addition, I paid extra for exit rows.

Rebooking appears easy on the NZ website, just select the new flight and pay the difference if the new flight is more expensive.

But what about when the new flight is cheaper? The website only allows you to change for "0" cost, even if cheaper. Unlike US airlines, NZ doesn't appear to give you the difference as a refund or credit.

1. Is the only option - to cancel the flight and get a refund and then separately rebook the new, cheaper flight? Am I missing something?
2. I don't think they refund the paid seat upcharge? Is there a way to apply it to the new flight?
3. If you accept the "0" change and eat the price reduction - does that keep your paid exit row seats?