History of the TLD

.nz was introduced in 1987 as the country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) for New Zealand. It serves as the primary namespace for New Zealand businesses, organizations, and individuals.

Main Use & Industry Position

.nz is widely used by New Zealand businesses, organizations, and individuals. It provides strong local recognition and credibility and is the foundation for structured second-level domains such as .co.nz, .net.nz, and .org.nz.

Comparison to Other TLDs

Compared to .com or .net, .nz emphasizes local identity and trust. While less globally recognized than .com, it is highly authoritative within New Zealand and preferred for domestic targeting.

Pros and Cons of the TLD

Pros

• Strong local recognition and credibility
  

• Flexible for commercial, organizational, or personal use
  

• High availability compared to .com
  

Cons

• Limited international recognition
  

• Some second-level domains have registration restrictions
  

• Premium names may be costly
  
  

Registration Criteria

.nz is New Zealand’s ccTLD and is open to residents, businesses, or organizations with a presence in New Zealand. It’s versatile and widely used for local or global sites.

Summary

.nz is New Zealand’s country-code domain, offering local trust and flexibility for businesses, organizations, and individuals with limited international visibility.