Air New Zealand gives its loyalty scheme a new name and a major shake up

Air New Zealand has outlined a major overhaul of its loyalty scheme, announcing that the long-running Airpoints programme will be renamed Koru from April 2026. The airline says the change marks a shift to a more streamlined system with refreshed tiers and new benefits.

Chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar says the new name is intended to reflect ideas of care, connection and renewal.

“Airpoints has been an important part of our story and now, that story is evolving. Koru symbolises care, connection, and renewal.

“For our members, the name Koru inspires pride, belonging and a sense of place, especially when travelling far from home. Now it’s at the heart of loyalty at the airline.

“We’ve listened to what matters most to our members. We’re proud to be introducing a more rewarding experience that feels simpler, more personal, and unmistakably Kiwi. Koru builds on everything our five million members love about loyalty, shaped and inspired by their feedback.”

New top tier: Koru Black

A new top-earned tier, Koru Black, will launch as part of the revamp. It’s aimed at the airline’s most frequent flyers and will require members to earn more than 3,200 Status Points in a year, including 1,920 from qualifying flights.

“To say thank you for the continued support of our most frequent flyers, and the miles they’ve travelled with us, we’re gifting a selection of rewards to those who qualify for Koru Black between now and April 2026, before they officially move to their new tier,” Ravishankar says.

Until 2026, qualifying members will receive extra perks including an additional Recognition Upgrade, a short-haul Recognition Upgrade, trial access to an Express Lane for aviation security at Auckland Domestic Airport between 19 and 28 November, and additional valet parking vouchers in December. More recognition-related rewards are planned for the New Year.

From April 2026, Koru Black members will gain access to a range of exclusive benefits such as:

• Koru Circle, which lets members share some of their tier privileges with others. Options include a Family Package with one Koru Black Nominee and dependants, or a Friends Package with two Koru Black Nominees.
• Status Rewards, offering gifts, experiences or a banked Koru Black year for those reaching Status Points milestones.
• Access to a new Koru Premier Lounge at Auckland International Airport when it opens.
• Additional upgrades and valet parking perks.
• Enhanced OneUp offers, upweighted by 60 per cent.

“Reaching Koru Black often means flying further, travelling more often, and spending time away from home. Koru Black members have trusted us with their journeys time and time again and we want to recognise that loyalty with something truly special – the ability to share their travel experience,” says Ravishankar.

“Koru Circle lets members share some of the comfort, care, and recognition of Koru Black with friends and whānau. Travel is most meaningful when it’s shared and Koru Circle helps our most frequent flyers extend some of their benefits to the people who matter most.”

Bigger changes ahead

The wider programme refresh will include clearer status tiers, more ways to earn recognition and a broader update to how the airline handles loyalty overall.

“There’s more on the horizon including introducing new partners, delivering new and exclusive ways to fly with Air New Zealand using Airpoints, and new opportunities to earn Airpoints and Status Points to ensure our members get even more value from every journey,” says Ravishankar.

“Our members have helped shape this programme through every journey, every piece of feedback, and every moment they’ve chosen to fly with us.

“We’re incredibly grateful for that loyalty and we can’t wait to welcome our members into this new era.”

Koru at a glance

Changes rolling out from April 2026 to the loyalty programme include: