Air New Zealand clarifies it will give full-fare refunds.

January sees Air New Zealand with fewer passengers than in previous years, down by 1%.

Over 1600 seats will be available daily from October 2012.

A ban on picking up passengers from Australia en route to South Africa and vice-versa has been lifted, paving the way for daily flights.

Transport Minister announced new arrangements today, which he said would provide a boost for business, tourism and people-to-people links.

Previously, there was no arrangement between New Zealand and South Africa to allow airlines to pick up passengers in Australia, effectively meaning they have been prohibited from doing so.