My comment when this was floated (and you will note the sarcasm): oh and that will make the lounges less crowded.

Is it possible to devalue Air New Zealand Gold and/or Gold Elite status any more?

There is now essentially no difference between the Airport benefits of NZ Gold and Koru and for most people between NZ Gold Elite and Koru. And indeed even if you clock up NZ Gold Elite twice in one year you would still struggle to know the difference.