David Hagan

• City: Obergageri
• Country: Switzerland

We went through this process to apply for a top level domain with ICANN a decade ago (.health sponsored by the World Health Organization). At that time it failed. As you have noted, the rules have changed in the past decade.

So on this basis alone I would support your application. More importantly, I am also involved in disaster response and recovery efforts either directly or indirectly in different parts of the world as an information/intelligence/systems specialist and the fact that your business model has an innovative Trust to assist the rebuild of Christchurch is the biggest draw card for me. I grew up in Southland, but I fondly remember the first 6 months of my job/training in Christchurch at the age of 18. I wandered through the city for the first time in about 10 years literally a few days before the devastating earthquake.

All I can say is – go or it!

David Hagan
Switzerland

Stefan Fountain

• City: Amsterdam
• Country: Netherlands

I think having “.kiwi” would be good for New Zealand because… Easy to remember and gives the kiwi brand a higher profile.

I would prefer a “.kiwi” domain name because… It’s cool

Do I think Christchurch needs initiatives like Dot Kiwi? Hell, yeah.

How do I think “.kiwi” will improve the Internet for New Zealand? Getting rid of .co.nz is a good thing. I don’t like typing dots.

Cheers,

Stefan

Frank Nelson

• City: Santa Barbara
• Country: USA

For all sorts of reasons, from personal pride to professional and commercial advantage, the idea of using the “.kiwi” signature, especially on Web sites and emails, is very appealing.

I think this is a unique identifier that will be readily adopted by New Zealanders living at home and those overseas. It’s certainly encouraging to see the impressive line-up of directors and other supporters already getting behind this project.

And finally, of course, this is another very imaginative and practical way to support the wonderful residents of Christchurch in their time of need and to contribute towards the rebuilding and re-birth of that great city.

Wishing you the best of luck,

Frank Nelson
Santa Barbara, California

Amanda McCaig

• City: Leeds
• Country: UK

Dear Dot-Kiwi Team

The word “Kiwi” is almost synonymous with New Zealand, and anything that helps the world focus on New Zealand has to be a good thing, especially when you think of what New Zealand stands for.  Here in the UK, ever since I can remember, New Zealand has stood for quality produce – dairy, meat, and wool.  This is still true.  And let’s not forget the All Blacks!  Add to that New Zealand’s stance on human rights, equality, and the environment, and you have an awful lot rolled up into one little word – “Kiwi”!

My company is probably the only one based in the Northern Hemisphere that can guarantee our products are genuine New Zealand Merino, genuinely and ethically made in New Zealand and currently we sell direct to customers from Ireland to Japan, Finland to Cyprus.  The domain  .kiwi would be a great marketing tool, especially as with our manufacturing partners in New Zealand we’re intending to open up online retail sites selling into New Zealand, Australia, Canada and  the USA.

The .kiwi is also a brilliant way of helping Christchurch’s regeneration.  I was heartbroken to see the damage done to this beautiful city, and was only too relieved to hear all my friends there were safe.  Whilst we donated at the time, a .kiwi domain where the profits can be targeted for Christchurch would be a continuing source of funds for Christchurch and its people.  The regeneration is not going to happen overnight – it’s going to be long haul, so this would be a far more permanent way of generating help without having to constantly be competing with other situations for resources.

On a business level, the internet holds an ever more important place. Those of us trading on the internet, both in New Zealand services and/or products, would I believe, welcome the opportunity of celebrating their “kiwi-ness”, as would their customers.  As I said at the start, the kiwi is synonymous with New Zealand, and New Zealand is synonymous with quality.  We can’t wait to be “chocolatefishmerino.kiwi”

Best wishes,

Amanda McCaig,
Senior Partner,

CHOCOLATE FISH MERINO LLP

Deb Kinvig

• City: Vancouver
• Country: Canada

As a New Zealander living abroad in Canada for ten years now, keeping in contact with business and family contacts back home is of high priority. it is true, the world is a global market place, one of the ways we can retain our ‘kiwis-ness’ is by identifying with that which is of importance to us. As a small country in the south pacific, we need to be our own brand. Being a New Zealander has implications for each and everyone of us.

Identified over many years as Kiwis, New Zealanders are by reputation innovative, adventurous and industrious. Expressing our pride in our national identity is something that we who live far from home appreciate when living in cultures so diverse. For such a small country we have had our share of charachters. Why not celebrate our nationalistic pride with .kiwis ?

Regards,
Deb Kinvig