Air New Zealand is launching a refreshed loyalty programme today called Koru, marking a significant shift in how the airline recognises its customers and the role travel plays in their lives.
From today, more than five million members will move across to Koru. It's been designed using feedback from customers and replaces the Airpoints™ programme with a simpler, more rewarding platform that caters to how people in New Zealand travel and use their loyalty programme.
Air New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer, Scott Wilkinson says the changes reflect what customers have been asking for.
"We've listened closely to our members. They told us they want a simpler programme with clear, relevant benefits, and Koru is our response.
"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."
More value, more recognition from day one
Customers will carry across their existing Airpoints and Status Points, with their equivalent Koru tier mapped into the new Koru programme.
Customers who currently hold Airpoints Gold status will transition to Koru Gold. Koru Gold benefits include milestone Status Rewards (including Airpoints that can be used towards future travel or in the Airpoints Store) as well as two Recognition Upgrades each membership year. These upgrades allow customers to move up one cabin class when they achieve or retain Koru Gold and are valid for that membership year.
Status Retain, launching later this month, will offer additional support for customers with Koru Gold, Koru Platinum or Koru Black status who are close to the threshold, helping them maintain their status if they fall just short.
At the top end, the introduction of Koru Black recognises the airline's most frequent travellers in a more personal way. Members at this level will be able to share benefits with friends or family through Koru Circle, alongside additional upgrades and rewards - acknowledging that frequent travel is often supported by those around them.
Koru Bronze provides a simple starting point, making it easy for customers to begin earning. With more than 40 partners across everyday categories like fuel, groceries, retail and financial services, even small, everyday moments can contribute to future travel.
Across all tiers, Koru has been simplified to make it easier for customers to track their progress and understand the benefits they are earning.
Looking ahead
Koru also sets the foundation for ongoing improvements, including new partners, more ways to earn and use Airpoints, and expanded travel experiences over time.
Construction on the new Koru Premier Lounge is due to begin later this year at Auckland International Airport. Set to become the most spacious lounge in the airline's network, the footprint will nearly double and will incorporate two distinct spaces: one for Koru Platinum and Koru Black customers, and another for Koru Gold, Star Alliance Gold, Koru Silver and Koru Club members.
Wilkinson says Koru represents a step change in how our customers' loyalty is recognised.
"Loyalty is about recognising and rewarding our customers in ways that feels meaningful. Koru delivers that, with greater flexibility, more choice, and benefits that reflect how people travel today. And this is just the beginning."
