For the first time millions of New Zealanders will have access to new email addresses and websites ending in .kiwi, following official approval across the Pacific.
Rather than .co.nz, .kiwi.nz or other similar .nz formats, the proposal gained international regulatory approval from Los Angeles over the weekend.
.kiwi is the first New Zealand-based generic Top Level Domain (gTLD) approved by ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) in its new gTLD programme, which ushers in a host of new domains such as .london and .microsoft.
Tim Johnson, DOT KIWI CEO says to be able to bring this next stage of the Internet into reality right here in New Zealand is huge.
"It provides an answer for the notable lack of choice for names in the somewhat isolated New Zealand domain name market.
"We've seen the Internet evolve from a place for sharing mostly official or academic information to one that is the cornerstone for connection and communication around the world.
“Kiwis the world over will be able to choose email addresses and websites ending in .kiwi which we believe has great appeal."
New Zealand's new domain name is expected to be available for individuals and organisations to purchase as early as mid-August for trademark holders and October/November for the general public. Interest can be registered at www.dot-kiwi.com.
September will mark the beginning of what is known as a "Sunrise” period, in which trademark owners can register their marks as .kiwi domain names – before the general public gets an opportunity to.
Sunrise is a tool to protect brands, help avoid cybersquatting and increase consumer security on the Internet in New Zealand, with Trademark holders advised to contact their IP lawyers regarding the Sunrise period.
Is .kiwi a good move? Will you be jumping online and on board? Tell us your thoughts below
