Air New Zealand Air Points - Membership for those in U.S.

Sorry if this has been answered before, but I couldn't find anything with the search. Does anyone know of a way for someone in the U.S. to join AirPoints? I would like to accumulate my * miles with them rather then UA, plus I would like to use their miles for an upgrade on a flight from the U.S. to New Zealand, but their U.S. web site just directs you to join another * program.

Sorry mate - I checked the requirements, and it seems as though Airpoints membership is only available to residents of New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, as well as residents of the UK and Asia who travel (make at least one trip?) in first or business class http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Of course, if you have a friend or relative in NZ/Oz or the Pacific it becomes less of a problem http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Cheers, Zac