It is still on the website as a Gold / Elite / Silver benefit:
http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/frequ...irport-standby
Priority airport standby
When you are at the airport and you wish to travel on an alternative flight, if a seat becomes available you will be given priority standby. Standbys are not available in conjunction with certain fare types such as reward tickets, grabaseat™ or Night Rider.
However there are no mentions of this in the Airpoints terms and conditions -
http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/airpo...and-conditions.
It is also a Star Alliance benefit:
http://www.staralliance.com/en/benef...silver-status/
Priority Airport Standby 4
If your travel plans change and flights are full, your Star Alliance Gold status ensures you are given higher priority when standing by for a flight at the airport.
4. Not permitted for Star Alliance Award tickets
So it looks like the new policy is going against published benefits both for Airpoints and Star Alliance.