Air New Zealand Air Points - AirNZ Airpoints to withdraw from Westpac Hotpoints programme

Have just read that Air NZ airpoints is withdrawing from the Westpac Hotpoints programme from 7 November. So anyone who usually changes their hotpoints to NZ airpoints must do so by 6 November.

Having read in another thread about the enhancements to the Globalplus card programme, I assume that NZ is going to concentrate on this programme alone.

Airpoints will also no longer be offered with the ASB Credit Cards (True Rewards)

Just as I suspected. Think the Globalplus stable of cards will be the only ones available before very long.

Bit of a bummer from my point of view. I put everything on credit card to earn hotpoints and then transfer them to NZ airpoints which I use for upgrades.

Airpoints will also no longer be offered with the ASB Credit Cards (True Rewards)

anyone has a firmed date for the ASB true reward?
when will the official news will be released?

cheers

Just as I suspected. Think the Globalplus stable of cards will be the only ones available before very long.

Bit of a bummer from my point of view. I put everything on credit card to earn hotpoints and then transfer them to NZ airpoints which I use for upgrades.

I used to do that with Hotpoints until last year when they increased the amount of hotpoints needed for conversion. Globalplus still offers the best conversion rate I believe.

Yes, I may have to think about changing credit cards - a hassle though.

zqsn - I found the info about Westpac on my internet site when I checked into the credit card section. Something similar may appear on yours.

Yes, I may have to think about changing credit cards - a hassle though.

zqsn - I found the info about Westpac on my internet site when I checked into the credit card section. Something similar may appear on yours.

umm...internet site you mean online banking? so far ive just checked my online banking, truerewards website and asb website, nothing can be found yet, i hope asb do inform us as early as possible.

pretty unfortunate im not obligable to apply for bnz's credit card as im not a nz resident, although asb allowed me to apply for visa platinum.;):D would sooo love BNZ global plus over asb as earning rates is way way better.

Airpoints will also no longer be offered with the ASB Credit Cards (True Rewards)
That's a bummer.

Nothing on ASB's site about it yet, but I guess it will be included in the next statement or True Rewards 'update' cycle. It'll trigger me to move my last True Rewards over to Airpoints then probably kill off the ASB card.

zqsn - sorry, just to clarify it was on my Westpac internet banking site. But I had to go all the way in - first to redeem hotpoints and then to redeem airpoints (which I was doing to check how many I had available). It was only at this very last stage that the message came up about it ceasing.

Whether it's the same with the ASB internet banking system I wouldn't know, but it may pay to go all the way in as I did. Just a thought.

If I actually did most of my spend on my Westpac card, I'd quite like their new scheme. The "Holiday Credits" are the same value as the NZ redemptions, but you can use them towards any travel related expenses. That means you can buy a flight on NZ and still earn airbucks.

Of course, it doesn't help if you want to combine CC points and airbucks.

Looks like they are going to make GlobalPlus the exclusive cards to earn Airpoints in New Zealand. First Diners Club now Westpac and ASB. Maybe they should consider teaming up with an Australian bank to introduce an Aus based co-branded card. Further development of Airpoints was one of NZ's top priorities. Not sure how they want to develop it.

It certainly looks like this will be the case - globalplus or nothing.

There's a question on the MyVoice survey asking if one has a globalplus card, so they know about a fair few of us.

Am wondering if we'll get a letter offering preferential membership. I remember some years ago getting such a letter - think it was Amex, but not sure if it was linked to globalplus.

This all sounds like deja vu; akin to in AU when QF introduced direct sweeping only, though there are subtle :rolleyes: differences.

Can't NZ based Amex MR members sweep to Airpoints (like AU based Amex MR members can)?

Can't NZ based Amex MR members sweep to Airpoints (like AU based Amex MR members can)?No, they can't. That capability did exist in the past, but was discontinued in ... ??? ... 2006?

Well this is unwelcome news - I got rid of Globalplus back in 2005 and went with Westpac, and now that I primarily live outside of NZ, am not so keen to wrangle with BNZ. OH well, at least I have the lousy ratio Starwood pays whenever I'm keen to get a few more APD.

No, they can't. That capability did exist in the past, but was discontinued in ... ??? ... 2006?
2004 - same time the Airpoints/Airbucks switchover.

I find it interesting that NZ has still not updated its website. It still lists Westpac, ASB and Wrightson as being card partners, but does not state that this is shortly to end.

anyone has a firmed date for the ASB true reward?
when will the official news will be released?

cheers

Hi, I'll find out tomorrow for you and update :)

Hi, I'll find out tomorrow for you and update :)

i've received a true reward letter today saying that air nz airpoints will no longer be a true rewards partner. tha last day you'll be able to convert true rewards dollars to air nz airporints dollars is 29 OCT 2009.

i've comfier this with a lady at akl downtown brunch earlier today. this is correct. and im very sad:(.

Yep 29 Oct for ASB.

PM me if anyone needs a hand transferring their points over and I'll give you my contact details.