Regarding the credit card status point hacks; this is my first time being Elite primarily due to having the ANZ card after many, many years as Gold. Ultimately, I have found little difference between the two tiers. The short haul RU is nice, the separate space in the AKL premium check in is less crowded, but I will not use the valet vouchers.

I am based in Invercargill, so build my status primarily through unglamorous domestic flying, bunny-hopping the country to AKL primarily (yes I know there is a direct flight on an A320 but it is timed horrendously for business travel and any international connections).

I feel that I earn my status (at least to a Gold level), and whet annoys me is that Koru members pay $350/year (with credit card discount) and receive almost the same benefits.

At least give me enforced priority boarding so I can stow my carry on bags close to my seat.