Air New Zealand has announced a major loyalty refresh: the Airpoints program will transition to a new branding called Koru, effective from April 2026, with new tier names and perks including a top-tier Koru Black for ultra-frequent flyers. Plans also include a flagship Koru Lounge expansion in Auckland, with a new Elite area accompanying the broader rebrand, and a refreshed member journey designed around clearer progression and kiwi-inspired design elements. In short, the latest developments center on rebranding Airpoints as Koru, expanding lounge experiences, and introducing upgraded benefits and tier structure for loyal customers.[2][3][8]
Key points you might care about:
- Timeline: Airpoints becomes Koru in April 2026; lounge expansions planned to boost Elite/Business Premier experiences, with phased openings around those upgrades.[3][2]
- New tiers: Koru Black and revised tiers aim to reward high-frequency travelers with enhanced upgrades, status rewards, and other perks, while broadening access for a wider base.[1][5]
- Experience emphasis: The rebrand emphasizes more space, Kiwi-inspired design, and a simplified, clearer loyalty journey to make earning and redeeming rewards easier for members.[8][3]
If you’d like, I can pull a quick timeline summary or compare the current Airpoints benefits to the announced Koru structure once you confirm which details you want highlighted (e.g., specific eligibility, lounge access, or upgrade rules).
Cited sources:
- Air New Zealand confirms Koru branding and April 2026 start for Airpoints transition.[3]
- Plans for new flagship Koru Lounge in Auckland and lounge experience refresh.[2]
- Overview of Koru branding, tiers, and the emphasis on loyalty program evolution.[3]
Sources
Air New Zealand is taking the lead in transforming flight travel, joining major airlines like Alaska Airlines, Riyadh Air, Avelo, Spirit, and Virgin Atlantic Airways in revolutionising loyalty programmes. This new loyalty programme offers exciting rewards for passengers, designed to enhance their flying experience.
www.travelandtourworld.comAir New Zealand Rebrands, Overhauls Loyalty Program. On Tiger Brokers' website to stay informed on market trends, price movements, and investment strategies, helping you make smarter decisions.
www.itiger.comAir New Zealand will rebrand Airpoints as Koru, with refreshed tiers and a new Koru Black level offering extra perks for ultra-frequent flyers.
nzbusinesstraveller.co.nzThe Air New Zealand Koru Lounge Auckland is undergoing a major expansion, including the introduction of a new "Elite" section.
onemileatatime.comAir 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.
www.airnewzealandnewsroom.comAir New Zealand is embarking on a bold journey to redefine what it means to be a loyal customer. From April 2026, the beloved Airpoints programme will officially transition into Koru, marking the dawn of a new era of recognition and rewards.
www.travelandtourworld.comAir New Zealand is today revealing plans for its new flagship Air New Zealand Koru Lounge at Auckland International Airport.
www.airnewzealandnewsroom.comAir New Zealand has revealed some of the details of the makeover of its loyalty program., From April 2026, the long-running Airpoints program will be renamed an
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