If anything the rates need to go down. Airpoints are earned by flying not swiping, although QF have seem to got into bed with every organisation.

The natural thought process is people who have airpoints are redeeming them for Koru which in turn, encourages more flights being booked to utilise that benefit.

Nothing wrong with that approach and is a good problem for Air NZ to have. However as I see it, Air NZ has not invested or prepared to accomodate this artificial inflation of numbers. Once the banks stop offering the benefits, I'd see some normalisation of flight/seat and lounge availability.

The burn rate is surprisingly high. Considering 'cashback' style programs are at the 1% mark or below.