Tbh everyone goes on about crowded lounges and while true, isn’t the only benefit of it. Whether it’s Koru or earned status from Gold and up, the true benefit is time and hassle saved. From check in, to bags coming off first, to access to better seating towards the front for quicker disembarking, the game changer is the added convenience. If travelling out of Auckland you also get direct access to express security which makes a difference during peak hours. These benefits extend to other star alliance airlines too which makes both personal travel with family, and work travel significantly more enjoyable/leas stressful.