Air New Zealand “Koru” Rebrand 2026: What Happens to Your Airpoints?

AUCKLAND, NZ – The “Airpoints” brand, a staple of New Zealand travel for over 30 years, has officially been retired. Starting today, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Air New Zealand’s loyalty program is simply known as Koru.

While the name is new, Air New Zealand’s Chief Commercial Officer, Scott Wilkinson, confirmed that existing balances are safe: “Customers will carry across every single Airpoints Dollar and Status Point they have already earned.”

1. The New 5-Tier Hierarchy

The rebrand introduces a more granular tier system to better recognize different levels of loyalty.

2. Introducing “Koru Circle”: Sharing the Love

The biggest innovation in the 2026 rebrand is Koru Circle, available exclusively to Koru Black members.

• Family Package: Invite one nominee and all children under 30 (Family Nominees) to enjoy elite perks.

   

• Friends Package: Extend premium benefits (including lounge access) to two chosen friends.

   

• The “Nominee” Perk: Nominees can enjoy these benefits even when the primary member isn’t traveling with them.

   

3. The Auckland “Koru Premier Lounge”

Air New Zealand has revealed plans for a massive Auckland International Lounge upgrade due to begin construction in early 2026.

• Two Distinct Spaces: The lounge footprint will nearly double, featuring a Koru Premier Lounge (exclusively for Platinum, Black, and Business Premier) and a separate Koru Lounge for Gold, Silver, and paid Koru Club members.

   

• Estimated Completion: The project is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2027.

Official Sources & References

• Air New Zealand Newsroom: Refreshed Loyalty Programme Koru Officially Takes Off — Official press release detailing the Tier mapping and “Status Retain” feature.

• Air New Zealand: Loyalty Reimagined – Program Details — Breakdown of Koru Black requirements and Koru Circle sharing packages.

• Travel Weekly: Air New Zealand’s refreshed Koru loyalty programme goes live — Analysis of the “Bronze” entry point and partner earning network.

• Scoop Media: Airpoints Gone – But What’s Actually Changing? — Summary of the status point thresholds for Koru Black (3,200 to reach, 3,040 to retain).