Yep, it sure sounds messy! IAH-AKL is business class, but AKL-SYD is economy, unfortunately, so I doubt any priority lanes. We did intentionally build in a super long layover (arrive 0530, depart 1525). Two of us have Priority Pass (each with 2 guests), so we were hoping to use the Strata lounge for showers and whatnot. I feel like it should be possible to split the party, but I'm not completely sure...

Alternatively, I could pack light and try to "subsidize" the heavy packers