The new Air New Zealand Koru loyalty program rolls out today, replacing Airpoints for more than five million frequent flyers with a simplified platform to earn and use rewards.
The refreshed rewards program marks a significant shift in how Air New Zealand recognises its customers and the way they travel in New Zealand and beyond.
From 22 April 2026, Air New Zealand Koru loyalty members will carry their existing Airpoints and Status Points across with matched status tiers in the new program. Customers will be able to see their refreshed tier status in their accounts via the Air NZ app or Koru Account online.
Koru Bronze is the base tier, enabling members to earn Airpoints on flights and everyday spending with more than 40 partners across fuel, retail and financial services.
Status Points are earned through flights and by using an eligible credit card.
Airpoints Gold status members will transition to Koru Gold, which offers milestone Status Rewards (including Airpoints) and two Recognition Upgrades in each membership year.
With the introduction of Koru Black, Air New Zealand will recognise its most frequent flyers with shared benefits for family and friends through Koru Circle, plus extra upgrades and rewards.
The introduction of Status Retain, launching in late April, also adds flexibility, allowing Koru Gold, Platinum and Black members to maintain their tier if they narrowly miss qualification thresholds.
As the Air New Zealand Koru loyalty program rolls out, the airline plans to expand its partner network and introduce new ways for members to earn and redeem Airpoints.
Construction of a new Koru Premier Lounge at Auckland International Airport is also slated to commence in late 2026, reinforcing the airline’s premium offering.
Air New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer Scott Wilkinson said the changes prioritise clarity and personal recognition in the new structure, based on customer feedback.
“We’ve listened closely to our members. They told us they want a simpler programme with clear, relevant benefits, and Koru is our response,” he said.
“Travel means different things to everyone. For some, it’s returning home to family. For others, it’s work, time away, or the chance to experience somewhere new. We want people to feel recognised in a way that reflects that.”
| Air New Zealand Koru status tiers | |
| Koru Bronze | An entry into the world of Koru with the ability to earn Airpoints and Status Points. |
| Koru Silver (previously Airpoints Silver) | All existing benefits remain, along with the new Status Points Bonus (previously Frequent Flyer Status Boost), where members earn 5 bonus Status Points for every 10 journeys with Air New Zealand. |
| Koru Gold (previously Airpoints Gold) | All existing benefits remain, along with access to Status Retain, making it easier for members to retain their tier. |
| Koru Platinum (previously Airpoints Elite) | All existing Elite benefits remain, along with enhanced Status Rewards and access to the new Koru Premier Lounge at Auckland International Airport, opening in early 2027. |
| Koru Black (new tier) | The highest earned tier. Members have access to all Koru Platinum benefits, plus new premium benefits, including Koru Circle. |
KARRYON UNPACKS: The Air New Zealand Koru loyalty program launch reflects a broader shift toward simpler, more flexible rewards, giving travel advisors a clearer framework to position loyalty value and drive repeat business across trans-Tasman markets.
