Hi, I think it is all kinds of messy. Do you have status to get bags out with priority ? (Albeit this is fickle too). Similarly status to check in or use express lane at security. From memory that flight will drop you in AKL circa 0530, which is peak time in both directions. The airport will be busy and I’m guessing you are on 0830 ish departure to SYD? Three hours can vanish quickly😀. I wouldn’t do it personally. I would lean on your companion!