When an Elite and Elite Partner travel together on the same PNR both pax are treated in line with Elite status regardless of the status of the other pax.

This means that if the Elite lodges an RU and the other pax as say a Gold lodges their own RU that both can clear immediately with A or R availability. Likewise the Elite can gift a RU or APD upgrade and these can also clear immediately. I've had probably a dozen examples of this in recent years.

Despite what Air NZ may have said it's certainly not my understanding that a RU lodged by another pax on the same PNR will clear in line with Elite status if the pax is not the Elite partner... But I could of course be wrong.