Likely an obvious answer to the question below, but want to be certain. Also, figured I'd ask FTers rather than the airline or TA to get an answer based on experience.

Am currently on NZ39 AKL-LHR. It is listed as one flt. # despite the stop in HKG. Is a change to NZ02 AKL-LHR, also one flt# but with LAX stop, changing the routing? Obviously it is in actuality, but is it also considered so per airline rules?

TIA