Registrations of .nz domain names which include macrons over the vowels are now available to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis, having been launched on 26 July 2010. The launch of this new type of domain name coincided with Māori Language week 2010, which ran from 26 July - 1 August.

The set of characters permitted in .nz Domain Names was expanded to allow ā, ē, ī, ō and ū to be used.

During the Sunrise Period, existing registrants of .nz names were able to apply for variations of their existing domain names which use the macrons. This application period closed on Tuesday 6 July 2010. Registrants who applied for a variant of their domain name had their registration confirmed on 26 July.

Since the launch on 26 July 2010, registering a .nz domain name with macrons  takes place in the same way as registering any other .nz domain name. You will require the services of a registrar (choose a registrar whose services best meet your needs from all authorised .nz registrars).

What is a macron?

The written form of the Māori language, te reo, uses macrons over vowels to denote an extension of the sound of the vowel. Prior to Māori Language week 2010, domain names within the .nz space were not able to include these characters. From that time on, it will be possible to have a domain name which accurately reflects one of New Zealand’s official languages, Māori.

The extra characters that can be used are ā, ē, ī, ō and ū.