Air New Zealand’s Koru Programme Ushers in a New Age of Loyalty, Offering Premium Rewards and Personalised Member Benefits

Air New Zealand is setting new standards in loyalty with the introduction of its innovative Koru programme. This program is a major evolution in the airline’s frequent flyer offerings, creating an entirely new way for members to enjoy enhanced benefits, recognition, and a deeper connection with the airline. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the key features of Koru, its upcoming enhancements, and how it will shape the travel experience for Air New Zealand’s loyal customers.

A Bold Leap in Loyalty: Air New Zealand’s Koru Programme

Air New Zealand has always been synonymous with exceptional service, and with the launch of Koru, they are now taking their commitment to their loyal customers to new heights. The airline’s CEO, Nikhil Ravishankar, has described Koru as one of the most significant evolutions in the airline’s loyalty programme in nearly 30 years. Designed to provide more rewarding, personal, and Kiwi-inspired experiences, Koru aims to elevate every journey and add more value for Air New Zealand’s 5 million members.

Key Features of Koru:

• Koru Black: The new top-tier membership that offers premium rewards and recognition for the airline’s most frequent flyers.
• Koru Circle: A unique benefit that allows Koru Black members to share some of their privileges with family and friends.
• Status Rewards: Exclusive gifts and curated experiences for members as they reach status milestones.
• Koru Premier Lounge: New access for Koru members at Auckland International Airport, arriving in late 2026.

Koru Black: Elevating the Experience for Most Loyal Flyers

One of the most exciting components of the Koru programme is the introduction of Koru Black, an elevated tier for the most frequent and loyal Air New Zealand customers. To qualify for this prestigious level, members must earn over 3,200 Status Points, with at least 1,920 points from qualifying flights within a calendar year. Koru Black members will enjoy a host of exclusive benefits designed to reward their dedication to the airline.

Exclusive Benefits for Koru Black Members:

• Recognition Upgrades: Increased opportunities to enjoy upgrades on flights, including one short-haul recognition upgrade.
• Express Lane Access: A trial access to security express lanes at Auckland Domestic Airport (19-28 November).
• Valet Parking Vouchers: Additional vouchers for valet parking during the holiday season.
• Koru Circle: The ability to share Koru Black perks with family and friends.

From April 2026, Koru Black members will enjoy even more premium benefits, such as:

• Koru Circle Packages: Share Koru Black experiences with a family package or a friends package.
• Status Rewards: Curated gifts and rewards for reaching status milestones.
• Exclusive Lounge Access: Access to the Koru Premier Lounge at Auckland International Airport.

Koru Programme: Tiers and Benefits

The transformation to Koru introduces new tier names and clearer benefits for all members. From newcomers to frequent flyers, there’s a tier for everyone, ensuring each member receives the recognition they deserve.

• Koru Bronze: The base tier for new members, offering access to Airpoints and Status Points earning.
• Koru Silver: Previously known as Silver, this tier includes a Status Points Bonus for every 10 journeys flown.
• Koru Gold: Formerly Gold, with the new benefit of Status Points Top-Up, helping members retain their tier with ease.
• Koru Platinum: The upgraded Elite status, which now includes enhanced Status Rewards and access to the new Koru Premier Lounge.

What’s Next for Koru: Continued Evolution

This programme is just the beginning. Air New Zealand has ambitious plans for Koru, promising even more exciting changes and partnerships to further enhance the loyalty experience. Future updates will include:

• New Partnerships: Collaborations with other travel and lifestyle brands to expand benefits.
• Airpoints Opportunities: More ways to earn Airpoints and Status Points for increased value with every flight.
• Exclusive Ways to Fly: New options to redeem Airpoints and upgraded services for members.

Koru Circle: Sharing the Loyalty

One of the most groundbreaking aspects of the Koru programme is Koru Circle, which allows Koru Black members to extend their rewards to those closest to them. Whether it’s a family package or a friends package, this feature makes it easier for members to share their loyalty benefits with others.

Koru Circle Benefits Include:

• Family Package: One Koru Black Nominee and Koru Family Nominees for dependents.
• Friends Package: Two Koru Black Nominees.
• Sharing the Experience: Travel becomes more meaningful when shared, and Koru Circle enhances the experience by enabling members to bring loved ones into their exclusive world.

Refreshed Loyalty Experience: Simplifying the Journey

The move to Koru simplifies the journey for all members, offering a more streamlined and engaging way to earn rewards. Air New Zealand has carefully listened to member feedback, and the new programme reflects their desire for a more rewarding and personal experience.

Key Changes in the Loyalty Journey:

• Clearer Tiers: New tier names make it easier for members to track their progress.
• Simplified Earning: Members can now earn Airpoints and Status Points more easily, ensuring that every journey is rewarding.
• Enhanced Recognition: With more opportunities to earn rewards and receive recognition, the Koru programme ensures that all members feel valued.

Koru Black and Platinum Nominee Benefits

For those who are Koru Black or Koru Platinum members, Air New Zealand offers additional perks for their nominees. Whether you’re flying solo or with a companion, these benefits ensure that everyone enjoys a premium experience.

Koru Black Nominee Benefits:

• Priority Access: Highest priority among all nominees for lounge access and services.
• Exclusive Lounge Access: Access to Koru Premier Lounge at Auckland International Airport and select partner lounges worldwide.
• Travel Perks: Enhanced baggage services, including extra baggage and Fast Bag service.

Koru Platinum Nominee Benefits:

• Priority Check-in and Boarding: Skip the lines and enjoy expedited service at the airport.
• Frequent Flyer Seating: Exclusive seating options for a more comfortable journey.

The Future of Koru: More Rewards, More Benefits

Looking ahead, Air New Zealand is committed to continuously enhancing the Koru programme. The airline’s focus on loyalty and customer satisfaction ensures that members will continue to enjoy valuable rewards for their dedication. The airline’s commitment to providing a Kiwi-inspired loyalty experience is evident in every update to the programme.

Conclusion: Air New Zealand’s Koru Programme is the Future of Loyalty

Air New Zealand’s Koru programme is more than just a loyalty scheme—it’s a commitment to recognising and rewarding the airline’s most dedicated customers. With enhanced benefits, exclusive rewards, and an evolving range of perks, Koru is set to transform the way loyal flyers experience air travel.

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