Airpoints is the frequent flyer program of Air New Zealand. The program is free to join and allows members to earn miles and elite status, as well as use Airpoints Dollars for an award flight.
Elite status in the program is determined by the amount of Status Points earned in a 12-month period.
The highest elite members in the program are awarded with a handful of benefits, some of which include lounge access and flight upgrades.
Air New Zealand is in the Star Alliance, so this means that Airpoints Dollars can be used not only for Air New Zealand flights but also for flights on a Star Alliance member like United Airlines.