By the way did Thomson not accommodate you and provide refreshment vouchers during your delays?
Thomson might, but Air New Zealand don't - friend's wifes 11.00 pm flight delayed after check-in and security procedures until the following day, meal vouchers only distributed after all the terminal restaurants had closed, no accommodation provided, mattresses brought in and told to sleep on the Terminal floor.
"National" airline at main base - Auckland. 3rd World treatment.