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

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 today
• Access to an Express Lane trial for aviation security screening at Auckland Domestic Airport between 19-28 November
• Additional Valet Parking Vouchers delivered on 8 December just in time for the festive season
• More opportunities to unlock recognition faster
• And 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 dependants
  • Friends Package – includes two Koru Black Nominees
• Status Rewards – reaching Status Points milestones will be recognised with special rewards like a Koru Black banked year, or curated gifts and experiences
• Access to the new Koru Premier Lounge at Auckland International Airport when it opens
• Additional Recognition Upgrades and Valet Parking Vouchers·       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."

Full programme refresh

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

• Koru Bronze - This new base tier makes sure every member is recognised, providing an entry into the world of Koru, with the ability to earn Airpoints and Status Points.
•  Silver becomes Koru Silver - Access to the benefit of Status Points Bonus (previously Frequent Flyer Status Boost). Earn five bonus Status Points for every ten journeys with Air New Zealand).
• Gold becomes Koru Gold - Access to the new benefit of Status Points Top-Up, making it easier for members to retain their tier.
• Elite becomes Koru Platinum - Enhanced Status Rewards*** and access to the new Koru Premier Lounge at Auckland International Airport, landing in late 2026.
• Koru Black - Members have access to all current Elite (Koru Platinum) benefits, alongside new and enhanced premium benefits like Koru Circle.

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." 

Koru at a glance

You can find all the changes rolling out from April 2026 here.

Notes to editor:

You can find the full list of Koru Black benefits here.

See images and video here.

Koru Black

• All benefits at Elite (Koru Platinum).
•  Koru Circle - either Family Package or Friends Package.
• Access to Koru Lounges, and the new Koru Premier Lounge at Auckland International Airport when it opens.
• Three Recognition Upgrades and two short haul Recognition Upgrades, up from two and one respectively.
• Status Rewards including a Koru Black Banked Year.
• Increased number of Valet Parking Vouchers.
• Status Points Top Up.
• OneUp offers, upweighted by 60 per cent.
• Access to a trial for an Express Lane at aviation security at Auckland Domestic Airport.

Koru Black Nominee

• Koru Black Nominees receive the highest level of priority among all nominees.
• Access to the new Koru Premier Lounge at Auckland International Airport when it opens.
• Access to Koru Lounges and select partner lounges when travelling on Air New Zealand operated flights and can bring one guest and up to three children travelling with them into the lounges, subject to availability.
• Priority check-in and boarding.
• Frequent flyer seating.
• Baggage benefits (including extra bag and Fast Bag service).
  

Koru Platinum Nominee (previously Elite Partner)

• Koru Platinum Nominees receive the next highest level of priority among these nominees.
• Access to Koru Lounges and select partner lounges when travelling on Air New Zealand operated flights where they may bring one guest and up to three children travelling with them into the lounges, subject to availability.
• Access to the new Koru Premier Lounge at Auckland International Airport when travelling with their Koru Black member.
• Priority check-in and boarding.
• Frequent flyer seating.
• Baggage benefits (including extra bag and Fast Bag service).

Koru Family Nominee

• Koru Family Nominees are restricted to dependants under 30 years old.
• Access to Koru Lounges and select partner lounges when travelling on Air New Zealand-operated flights, however they cannot bring guests in with them.
• Access to the new Koru Premier Lounge at Auckland International Airport when travelling with the Koru Black member.
• Priority check-in and boarding.
• Frequent flyer seating.
• Baggage benefits (including extra bag and Fast Bag service).

**OneUp is Air New Zealand's upgrade offer system that gives people travelling on the airline the opportunity to move up one cabin class using either Airpoints (currently Airpoints Dollars) or cash offers when travelling internationally. Koru Black members will have their offers upweighted by 60 per cent.

 ***To show thanks to our frequent customers we invite them to select a special gift when they reach Status Point milestones each year. From early 2026 they will be even more rewarding for Koru Platinum members.

 **** Airpoints (currently Airpoints Dollars) will still be equivalent to one Airpoint for $1NZD when spending with Air New Zealand.