Scon
Qantas service QF149 still operates daily leaving Sydney at 1840 arriving at 2350 in Auckland. I'm not sure where your family friend is trying to book this flight? The Qantas online booking system is still taking bookings for this service.
Jetconnect operate the service with Kiwi crew. From what I've heard, they do a very good job with attentive enthusiastic young crew, hence why your family friends must like flying this service.
JQ operate a service to Auckland that departs 10min earlier than the Qantas service.
