Introducing Koru: A new era of loyalty at Air New Zealand is revealed

Air New Zealand is lifting the curtain on a major refresh of its loyalty programme. From April 2026, the Airpoints programme transitions to Koru – a new name and a new era of recognition.

Air New Zealand CEO Nikhil Ravishankar says Koru is one of the most significant evolutions of the loyalty programme in nearly 30 years.

"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."

Introducing Koru Black

Koru Black is the new highly anticipated top‑earned tier designed to recognise Air New Zealand's most loyal members with an elevated level of recognition and rewards. To qualify, members must earn over 3,200 Status Points, including 1,920 from qualifying flights in a year.

"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.

Koru Black members can expect:

An additional Recognition Upgrade and short‑haul Recognition Upgrade from todayAccess to an Express Lane trial for aviation security screening at Auckland Domestic Airport between 19‑28 NovemberAdditional Valet Parking Vouchers delivered on 8 December just in time for the festive seasonMore opportunities to unlock recognition fasterAnd there's more to come in the New Year

From April 2026 Koru Black members will gain access to some of the airline's most exclusive benefits including:

Koru Circle* – the ability to share some of the comfort and recognition of Koru Black with those who matter most to them. Members can choose from two packages:Family Package – includes one Koru Black Nominee, and Koru Family Nominees for dependantsFriends Package – includes two Koru Black NomineesStatus Rewards – reaching Status Points milestones will be recognised with special rewards like a Koru Black banked year, or curated gifts and experiencesAccess to the new Koru Premier Lounge at Auckland International Airport when it opensAdditional Recognition Upgrades and Valet Parking VouchersEnhanced OneUp™ offers, upweighted by 60 %**

"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."

Full programme refresh

The transition to Koru brings refreshed tiers, additional recognition and a clearer journey for every member.

More on the horizon for Koru

This transformation is just the beginning of a broader evolution in how Air New Zealand recognises and rewards loyalty.

"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."