So I've got a party of three flying AirNZ IAH-AKL-SYD. IAH-AKL and AKL-SYD are separate bookings (used Virgin Atlantic points for the long haul).

Originally planned to transit AKL with carry-ons only, so we did NZeTA only without IVL. However, one party member now thinks 7kg carry-on (for AKL-SYD) will be too restrictive.

Thinking of doing only one checked bag. AirNZ CSR said we would have to claim the checked bag in AKL, go through customs, and recheck the bag (unless IAH desk can do something about it).

1. Would it be feasible to have only one passenger go through NZ customs to recheck the bag (and only one passenger redo NZeTA with IVL), while the other two transit? Or should we all suffer through customs?
2. Would splitting the party cause issues with checking in for AKL-SYD (if we can get boarding passes in IAH, I'd assume this would be a nonissue)?

Appreciate any input