Frequently Asked Questions for Registrars

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR REGISTRARS

Q. What do I have to do to become an authorised registrar on the SRS?

A. There are a number of things you need to do to become an authorised registrar:

1. Download the Registrar Implementation Kit (RIK) from the DNC website. The RIK contains all the technical information you will need to develop an interface to the SRS. It also contains the agreements, forms and the .nz policies and procedures that apply to the SRS. The RIK can be found at http://dnc.org.nz/content/rik.zip
2. Ensure that the Terms and Conditions agreement you will require your customers to sign up to meet the minimum requirements specified in the Registrant Core Terms and Conditions document.
3. Complete the application for authorisation as a registrar form (Form AOR1) and send with any attachments, plus a cheque for $3,000 (excluding GST) to the address detailed on the form.
4. Respond to any requests or directions by the DNC to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner.
5. If authorisation is granted, complete the application for connection to the .nz registry form (Form CON1) and send to the address detailed on the form.
6. Respond to any requests or directions by the Registry Manager to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner.
7. Once connected, if you want any existing domain names to transfer across to you from another registrar, you will need to complete the process outlined in the Transfer to Another Registrar policy.

Q. How much does it cost?

A. The application fee for authorisation as a registrar is $3,000 (excluding GST). The domain name fee is set at $1.50 (excluding GST) per domain name per month. The registry charges a minimum monthly fee of $48 (excluding GST).

Q. When can I apply for authorisation?

A. You can apply to become a .nz authorised registrar at any time.

Q. Can non-New Zealand based entities apply for authorisation?

A. Yes, they can. There is no distinction drawn between domestic and foreign entities as far as access to the .nz register is concerned. Any foreign registrar is bound by the same policies and procedures as domestic registrars, including (for example) the exclusive jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts, and the inclusion of the core terms and conditions for registrants.

Q. When will I be able to start testing my software?

A. Once authorised and once you have organised your connection with .nz Registry Services (NZRS), you will be given access to the SRS test platform to test your software.

Q. When can I connect to the production system and start registering and updating my domain names?

A. Once you are authorised and have completed testing your systems to the satisfaction of NZRS, you will be able to connect to the production SRS.

Q. If I am a reseller working through another registrar, can I automatically become an authorised registrar on the SRS?

A. No. If you want to become an authorised registrar you will need to apply to the DNC as outlined in the published Authorisation Process policy.

Q. If I am a reseller working through another registrar and I want to take my names with me if I become a registrar, what do I have to do?

A. You can follow the process outlined in the Transfer to Another Registrar policy to take your names with you. Whether the process applies to you depends on the billing arrangement you have with your customers. Check with the DNC Office about this.

Q. I've already paid fees to an existing registrar to become a reseller. If I become a registrar why do I have to pay more money?

A. A reseller agreement relates to the services your registrar offers you as a reseller. The authorisation application fee relates to the costs associated with the DNC assessing the application to decide if you meet the standard to become an authorised registrar. Becoming a .nz authorised registrar has no effect on your relationship with your existing registrar and their provision of resale services to you; you may continue to act as a reseller and simultaneously act as a registrar.

Q. What if I want to offer .nz registration services, but don't want to become a registrar?

A. You are able to establish a reseller relationship with any .nz authorised registrar which offers reseller services. There is no need to become a .nz registrar to provide registration services in .nz.

Q. How often is the zone file pushed ?

A. The zone file is pushed to the .nz nameservers on the hour, evey hour. For more information regarding the zone file please view the zone transfer policy.

Q. What are the performance requirements for the .nz Registry ?
A. .nz Registry Services (NZRS) is bound by an agreement which sets out the detailed service requirement specifications. These requirements are identified in the Service Level Agreement. NZRS reports against the SLA on a monthy basis and this information is published in the DNC newsletter.

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