Answers to some of the questions frequently asked by registrants (people registering .nz domain names).

Who can register a .nz domain name?


How do I update the contact details for my .nz domain name?


How do I find out who my .nz registrar is?


How do I register a .nz domain name?


What is an authorised registrar?


How do I transfer my .nz domain name to another registrar?


How do I make a complaint concerning my .nz domain name?


What do I do if my web site or email address is not working properly?


What rights do I have when I register a .nz domain name?


What responsibilities do I have when I register a .nz domain name?


Why are the details concerning my domain name available for the public to view?

More information is also available in our brochures:

Making a Name for Yourself...


.nz A Ready Reference for Registrants

Q. Who can register a .nz domain name?

A. Registrants need to be identifiable individuals over 18 years of age or properly constituted organisations. Registrants do not need to be based in New Zealand nor does their domain name need to be hosted in New Zealand.

Q. How do I update the contact details for my .nz domain name?

A. Talk to your .nz registrar. Only your registrar can amend the details for your .nz domain name. Nobody else has access to the register to be able to amend your details for you. The DNC cannot amend your details.

Q. How do I find out who my .nz registrar is?

A. The easiest way to find out the name of your registrar is to use the "domain search" function in the top left of this page. If you enter the first part of your domain name (the dnc part of dnc.org.nz), select the appropriate .nz 2ld from the drop-down list, and click on the green arrow, you will be shown the details associated with your domain name. The registrar details are in the second group of fields shown.

Q. How do I register a .nz domain name?

A. Before registering a .nz domain name, you must first verify that the name is available. You can do this through the domain search function at the top of this page, or through similar searches provided by a number of commercial organisations. If the domain is already registered to someone else (ie. the Status is not 'Available'), you could wait until it becomes available again, contact the current registrant directly to see if they are interested in transferring the name to you, or lodge a complaint using the Dispute Resolution Service if you feel that the current registration is unfair. If the domain name is available, you should contact one of the authorised registrars listed on this site and make arrangements for them to register the name on your behalf. Many registrars allow you to register domain names with them immediately through automated functions on their web sites. Make sure you fully understand the registrar's terms and conditions and remember, act promptly because names are registered on a 'first come, first served' basis. More information can be found in the .nz policy, Registering, Managing, and Cancelling Domain Names.

Q. What is an authorised registrar?

A registrar is an entity authorised to access the .nz register to register and maintain domain names on behalf of registrants. Authorisation to be a registrar is granted by the DNC after strict criteria are met, following which an agreement for connection to the SRS is signed with NZRS. A list of authorised registrars is maintained on this site, and you can also identify an authorised registrar by the presence of the following logo:

Q. How do I transfer my .nz domain name to another registrar?

A. You are free to transfer your domain name to another registrar at any time, except during the first five days after your domain was registered. You do not need to involve your old registrar in the transfer process, provided you can supply your new registrar with the UDAI (Unique Domain Authentication ID) for the domain name. If you don't have the UDAI, your old registrar is obliged to make it available to you promptly upon request. Please note that transferring your domain name does not necessarily absolve you of any contractual obligations you may have entered into with your old registrar. More information can be found in the .nz policy, Transfer To Another Registrar.

Q. How do I make a complaint concerning my .nz domain name?

A. Any complaint you might have with regard to the management of your domain name should be taken up with your registrar. Only after you have exhausted all avenues of resolving the problem with your registrar, and any other parties involved, should you take your complaint to the DNC. Further information about the Dispute and Complaint Process may be found on this site.

Q. What do I do if my web site or email address is not working properly?

A. Registration of your domain name is not directly connected with the hosting of your web site or email address. Registration entitles you to use the domain name for the registration term and to have the domain name delegated to an IP Address. Any issues with regard to your web site or email address should be directed to those parties with whom you have made hosting arrangements.

Q. What rights do I have when I register a .nz domain name?

A. Registering a domain name is akin to obtaining a licence. As long as the domain
name is kept current, you can continue to use it. Domain names are not able to be "owned" by any party. You may choose the registrar you wish to maintain the domain name on your behalf and are free to transfer to another a registrar at any time. You also have the right to expect that parties authorised to access the register will not use your personal details for targeted contact campaigns. More information may be found in the .nz policies on this site, including Roles and Responsibilities and Registering, Managing, and Cancelling Domain Names.

Q. What responsibilities do I have when I register a .nz domain name?

A. Your core responsibilities are to keep all information about your domain name current and accurate, and to pay, as they become due, all the charges associated with the domain name. In addition, you must comply with the relevant .nz policies and satisfy yourself that your use of the domain name will not infringe anybody's intellectual property. Your obligations are defined in detail in the agreement you have with your registrar.

Q. Why are the details concerning my domain name available for the public to view?

A. When you register a .nz domain name, you are accepting that the details in the register concerning your domain name are available to all as a matter of public record. This information consists mainly of contact details, relevant dates, and name server details. No financial information is involved. The information may be used by others to contact you regarding the right to use the domain name, or on technical matters relating to the domain name. It could also be used by law enforcement agencies pursuing enquiries relating to the domain name. Parties authorised to access the register are forbidden from using your personal details for targeted contact campaigns.

If you have a question which isn't covered above, please email info@dnc.org.nz