Buying your way to status on Air NZ

Air NZ Airpoints status credits can now be bought by using their partner Global Plus credit card. Every $250 spent (on anything) = 1 status credit. For qualification or requalification of a higher status level at least half the requirement must be earned from flights.

This means Star Alliance Gold can be bought for about NZ$100k in credit card spend + a handful of flights.

Good for small businesses and those who don't quite fly enough to meet the thresholds for elite status. Not so good for frequent flyers - lounges will be more crowded and preferred seats even harder to get.

Updated - requalification also must be at least half earned by flying.