I didn't start a new thread about this because I don't want to make a huge deal out of it. We all know that NZ don't typically release awards seats to partner airlines especially on long haul flights so the only way to secure a Business seat (other than paying cash) is to qualify for Elite and score those R classes in advance.
But recently NZ have been releasing tons of I class to partners as discovered by below blogger. I don't want to say that it devalues the Airpoints Elite status as I don't want these to disappear again. Perhaps as part if the Airpoints revamp, they should consider allowing Airpoints members to again be able to redeem for X, I class regardless of how rare they may be. That's only fair. Otherwise, why qualify for Elite when you can bulk buy UA miles and redeem on NZ?
https://onemileatatime.com/air-new-z...-class-awards/
Also what do you think prompted NZ to release these seats this time? IT glitch or intentional?