Rich-Fine-Green,
I just searched the QF website and you can do SYD-WLG departing tomorrow and returning Sunday for $491.76.
There are also heaps of SYD-AKL return flights next week for the same price. A far cry from the "$1900" you're whinging about.
As for Freedom, SYD to Palmerston North departing 31 July returning 06 August is over $200 more expensive than QF at $715.30.
