Domain Name Commission Limited Board Minutes - November 2009

Minutes of the Domain Name Commission Ltd Board Meeting

Monday, 30 November 2009, 4.30pm 

Attendance

Present:         Richard Currey (by telephone), Andy Linton, Joy Liddicoat, Michael Foley, Debbie Monahan, Alison McKenzie.

Apologies:      David Russell 

1.         Board alone time.

The meeting began with Board alone time. Debbie Monahan and Alison McKenzie joined the meeting at 4.45pm.

2.         NZRS - Report from Jay Daley, Chief Executive NZRS

Jay noted his thanks to the DNCL Board for the invitation to be present at the meeting.  Jay outlined the work NZRS was planning over the next year including looking at their infrastructure and the way that they use it, complete the EPP project, further investment in DNS monitoring, and making a start on the overhaul of the registration system.  Jay also discussed NZRS and its work with the wider InternetNZ Group.

Jay left the meeting at 5pm.

3.         DNCL Register of Interests

The DNCL Register of Interests was updated.  No conflicts were noted for this meeting.

4.         Minutes from the last meeting

The minutes of the last DNCL Board meeting were passed as true and accurate.  There were no matters arising from the minutes that were not covered elsewhere in the agenda.

5.         DNC Work plan - update

The DNC went through progress on the work plan which is a standing item. 

6.         DNC Reports - September and October 2009

The DNC spoke to her reports for the months of September and October, and commented particularly on the recent return to normal levels in the number of submissions made to the .nz Dispute Resolution Service.  The Board also commended the DNC on the thought piece regarding domain names and email addresses which had been picked up by several media outlets, and which had received a great deal of positive feedback.

Joy noted that she had had the opportunity to attend the annual Experts and Mediators meetings, and commented on the high regard that both the Experts and Mediators had expressed for the administration of the DRS system.
The DNC was thanked for her reports.

7.         Additional Search Functionality

The consultation on the proposed additional search functionality resulted in a number of considered submissions being received which represented a diverse range of views.  These views ranged from increasing the search functionality to something like that offered by the Companies Office, through to not extending the search functionality at all.

Those with reservations about extending the search functionality raised some issues that might arise as a result of the additional searches.  The Board noted the submissions received and also other issues identified by the DNC.  It was agreed that the DNC would undertake more work on the issues identified and report further to the next meeting.

8.         EOY Forecast and draft budget for 2010/11.  

The Board noted the end of year forecast for the 2009/2010 financial year.  There was discussion over the proposed budget and the costs being covered by the DNC.  The Board approved the draft 2010/2011 budget as presented, and set the management fee for the 2010/2011 financial year.  The DNC is to formally advise NZRS of the management fee for the 2010/2011 financial year. 

It was also agreed that the DNC should work with the INZ and NZRS CEOs on reviewing the allocation of expenses across the group.

9.         .nz Awareness Campaign - Oral update

Recent publication of a thought piece targeted to various media streams on domain names and email addresses has received positive feedback and emails to the office seeking further information.  During the ICANN meeting in Seoul, the DNC made a presentation on the .nz campaign, which received positive comments and interest from other ccTLDs.

10.       Date for next meeting and Strategy Day

The strategy day is proposed for 13/14 February.  Although it may be logistically difficult, it is possible that NZRS and DNCL may share a day for this meeting. 

11.       Any other business

Staff passed the CultureFlow Intro course - a Beginners’ course in the Māori Language and Culture and the Treaty of Waitangi, following 6 weeks of classes.

The Board congratulated Michael Foley on his results in the World Long Course Triathlon Championships in Perth recently.   

Meeting closed at 6.20pm

 

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