AirNZ chance of being upgraded based on Partner airline status?

I read a VERY old article on this site, saying that AirNZ often upgrade Trans Tasman economy passengers to Prem Econ, based on partner airline status. I know a lot has changed since then though. In your experience, would I be likely to be upgraded to PE based on being a VA Platinum, or United Premier Platinum status? I may be travelling on the 777-200 AKL to MEL. Thanks.

Unless it's overbooked... Not a chance. You'll be behind all other NZ status members but do know that you'd have more luck with VA Platinum status rather than the United status which is just seen by Air NZ as a Star Gold membership.

FWIW I once received an operational upgrade on an old 767 on the basis of my A3*G; I was booked into Works Deluxe at the time. That being said, it remains the only time I have ever received an upgrade from Air NZ in fifteen years of regular travel with them. As henrus said, the complimentary PE seats stopped when Air NZ introduced PE service trans-tasman, sadly.

I used to be the case (and I'm talking about 3 years ago here when I did it) that they would leave open a couple of PE seats that could be selected by any Economy pax on the trans-tasman sector. I did this on a trip to the US and managed to get them for two of us in both directions. I held no status with AirNZ.

Thanks all for your comments

We must have got lucky. I'm VA Plat and we got upgraded on the AKL-MEL leg of our MEL-LAX return in November 2017.

A little bit off topic but I have been upgraded multiple times without asking or giving any points with CX and I’m QF gold.