What to do when downgraded on an NZ with a UA award ticket?

[FrankC]

I have used my last UA points to book for my dad for a trip in Christmas from NZ to HK in the beginning of the year:

NZ WLG-AKL-SYD
overnight, <24 hours in SYD
TG SYD-BKK-HKG
stop for 3 weeks
TG HKG-BKK-AKL
NZ AKL-WLG

Apart from NZ domestic (WLG-AKL & AKL-WLG) in economy (X), the rest are in business (I)
I received email from UA that that NZ AKL-SYD flight is now changed and that plane does not have business
Does that mean my dad will now have no lounge in AKL?

I emailed NZ asking what benefits is entitled, and the reply was that the ticket is booked with UA, I should ask UA, and NZ can't do anything for me
I emailed TG as well, and have been told that he has 30 kg baggage

On the UA booking, it states he will get 30kg baggage, but it also has these words:
checked baggage policies for your entire itinerary are determined by Air NZ
It also has these words for all legs, including the TG
Meal: None
I would think that food is actually served on TG business - though not sure about NZ economy

The last thing I want is at check in, told that his ticket is a economy ticket and it comes with seat only, and he has to pay extra for bags, etc

Anyone have any suggestions? I will send UA an email

Thanks in advance

 

[docjames]

Check schedules for the 777 or 767 from akl to syd and ask for a gratis change to that flight I th one originally booked has been downgraded.

The A320s are Y only.