you're kidding right.
Who wants to go to the biggest toilet in NZL (AKL) when their might be a stress free alternative, that's saves you up to 4 hours on a return trip to WLG.
How do we get up to 4 hours ?
1) say 1 hours driving, no longer required (depends on exactly where in northern Auckland you live).
2) finding a car park & then walking to terminal
3) bend over q's
4) minimum check in time - no one would plan on checkin for any domestic flight out of AKL less than 30 mins prior.
If you live only few kms from RNZAF base, you might only need to arrive at airport 5-10 mins before departure. If have bags you can carry them to aircraft yourself.
BUA's (big ugly airports) are great for the operators, but terribly inefficient for the passengers.
This is why alternative airports are being looked at in BNE, SYD & MEL.
RE ff pts. Most people get the majority of their points from credit cards not flying.
& apart from public servants, who has time to swan around a lounge.
What you are forgetting is, at an alternate airport, there are no congestion delays like at BUA's.