Air New Zealand :  New Zealand points™ partners with iconic Kiwi brands Mercury, Z Energy and Foodstuffs New Zealand

Mercury, Z Energy and Foodstuffs New Zealand Limited will all officially become Airpoints partners towards the end of this year, once technical requirements have been completed.

Under the new partnership with Mercury, its customers will be able to earn Airpoints Dollars™ on their home and business electricity and gas.

Airpoints members can already earn Airpoints Dollars at Foodstuffs' brands (New World, Liquorland, Henry's, Gilmours and Trents) and Z service stations through Airpoints' partnership with Fly Buys. Their decision to also partner directly with Airpoints will make it easier for members to understand how to earn and create further opportunities in the future.

Foodstuffs' and Z Energy's commitment to and participation in Fly Buys remains unchanged.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says electricity, fuel and food are key priorities for most families and these will now all contribute to growing members' Airpoints Dollar balances in both the Airpoints and Airpoints for Business programmes.

'With more than 50 businesses now part of the Airpoints programme and more than 140 partnered online through the Airpoints Mall, there are very few airline loyalty programmes globally that have the breadth and mix of partners that Airpoints offers its members.

'We will be announcing more new partners in the coming months, adding to programme growth that has included Nourish Group, Snap Fitness, Umbrellar Group, Westpac, Audi and Bayleys, which all see real benefit in being able to talk with engaged customers who show loyalty to those businesses that reward them with Airpoints Dollars.'

Fraser Whineray, Mercury's Chief Executive says Airpoints Dollars are a great way for Mercury to reward customers.

'We're delighted to be the newest member of the Airpoints programme. Joining Air New Zealand and many other great partners is another significant step in our commitment to offer choice and reward customer loyalty.'

Z Energy Chief Executive Mike Bennetts says loyalty programmes are rapidly evolving in order to stay relevant and compelling to customers.

'Our cornerstone commitment to the Airpoints partnership with Air New Zealand is an important part of Z's customer loyalty offer, alongside our cornerstone commitment to Fly Buys.

'We're dedicated to maximising value for our customers, so bringing together the ability to earn Airpoints Dollars or Fly Buys points with a nationwide fuel and convenience offer is an important part of our loyalty strategy.'

Foodstuffs North Island Chief Executive Officer Chris Quin says 'we know New World customers enjoy getting more out of life and love to travel so this is great news for them.

'We are delighted with the agreement, both Air New Zealand and New World are exciting New Zealand brands with many shared customers, so it makes complete sense for us to work together to reward them. This allows us to work more closely with the airline to further develop the New World Clubcard experience and continue to offer our customers the choice of two of the strongest loyalty programs in the New Zealand market (Airpoints and Fly Buys).'

The Airpoints programme has more than 2.1 million members, with more than 840,000 flights enjoyed by members over the past 12 months using their Airpoints Dollars.

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Click here to download video footage and interview with Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon.

Issued by Air New Zealand Public Affairs ph +64 21 747 320.