Air New Zealand launches Koru loyalty programme

Koru programme introduces changes to customer rewards

Air New Zealand has introduced a refreshed loyalty programme, Koru, marking a shift in how the airline recognizes its customers and their travel patterns.

More than five million members are being transitioned to Koru. The Air New Zealand programme has been developed with customer feedback and replaces Airpoints with a structure that is easier to understand and use, while aligning with how people in New Zealand engage with travel and loyalty benefits.

According toAir New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer Scott Wilkinson, the update reflects direct member input.

“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 — whether it’s visiting family, travelling for work, or taking time away. We want recognition to reflect those different needs.”

Changes across tiers and benefits

Air New Zealand Members will retain their existing Airpoints and Status Points, with equivalent Koru tiers assigned automatically.

Customers holding Airpoints Gold status will move to Koru Gold. This tier includes milestone Status Rewards, such as Airpoints that can be used for travel or purchases through the Airpoints Store, as well as two Recognition Upgrades per membership year. These upgrades allow members to move up one cabin class upon achieving or retaining Koru Gold.

A feature called Status Retain, scheduled to roll out later this month, will support members in Koru Gold, Platinum and Black tiers who are close to maintaining their status level.

At the highest tier, Koru Black has been introduced for frequent travellers, offering options to share selected benefits with friends or family through Koru Circle, along with additional upgrades and rewards.

Koru Bronze is the entry-level tier, allowing members to start earning rewards through everyday spending. The programme includes more than 40 partners across categories such as fuel, groceries, retail and financial services.

Across all tiers, the structure has been simplified to help members track progress and understand their benefits more clearly.

Future developments

Koru also provides a base for further updates, including additional partners and expanded ways to earn and use Airpoints.

Separately, construction of a new Koru Premier Lounge at Auckland International Airport is expected to begin later this year. The lounge will include separate areas for higher-tier members and other eligible travellers.

Wilkinson said the programme is intended to reflect evolving expectations around loyalty.

“Loyalty is about recognizing and rewarding customers in ways that are relevant. Koru is designed to offer more flexibility and choice, with benefits that align with how people travel today,” he added.