An application for the .KIWI domain was submitted as part of the New gTLD procedure.

The application was submitted by a group of New Zealand immigrants living in Vancouver, Canada.

The name "Kiwi" is a national nickname for New Zealanders, which dates back to the First World War – it comes from the image of a kiwi bird on the uniforms of New Zealand soldiers.

The domain administrator, dot Kiwi, states that all proceeds from .KIWI domain registrations will go toward the restoration of Christchurch, New Zealand's largest southern city, which has been devastated by earthquakes in recent years.

Dot Kiwi says the new domain aims to unite New Zealanders around the world, many of whom live outside the country.