The top-level domain (TLD) “.kiwi” is a generic TLD (gTLD) in the Domain Name System (DNS) of the Internet. The name derives from the colloquial term “Kiwi,” which is used to refer to people from New Zealand, as well as the kiwi bird, a national symbol of New Zealand. This makes it a popular choice of TLD for individuals, businesses, and organizations associated with New Zealand. It enables them to connect with their identity as Kiwis even on the digital platform.
Introduced on July 11, 2013, the .kiwi TLD allows for the creation of millions of new domain names. The dotKiwilimited (a New Zealand company) is the official representative and sponsor of .kiwi TLD. This delegation took effect as noted by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in its delegation report.
The .kiwi TLD is open to everyone without restrictions. It can be registered for up to 10 years at a time and can also be renewed. It embraces diversity and inclusivity, given that it is not required for applicants to possess a physical presence in New Zealand. This means that even though you might not be from or living in New Zealand, you can still register a .kiwi domain, whether you are a business that has a branch in the country, an individual with love for the kiwi bird, or you simply wish to make your online presence unique.
Typically, most domain names with the .kiwi TLD are used by organizations or individuals associated with New Zealand – to capture their national identity more strongly in their online presence. An example of a .kiwi domain in use is www.haka.kiwi, a website dedicated to the iconic Maori war dance, the Haka, according to WHOIS record.
Bear in mind that the registrants for a .kiwi domain are subject to both the .kiwi Registry Policies and the terms and conditions of the registrar from which they choose to purchase their domain name.
Information sources:
1. IANA. (2013). Delegation Report for .kiwi. Retrieved from https://www.iana.org/reports/2013/kiwi-report-13aug2013.html
2. ICANNWiki. (2021). Kiwi. Retrieved from https://icannwiki.org/Kiwi
3. dothop.com (2021). .kiwi Whois Record. Retrieved from https://dothop.com/haka.kiwi
4. Dot Kiwi Limited (2021). .kiwi Domain Registration. Retrieved from https://hello.kiwi/get-.kiwi-now.html .
