2025–26 Annual Report

In a year of intense discussion around regulation in New Zealand, the DNC remains a vital subsidiary of InternetNZ. Our authority is built on a robust framework of the DNC and InternetNZ operating agreement, the .nz Rules, and clear contracts with registrars. 

This year marks the successful conclusion of our 2022–2026 strategy. We’ve spent four years strengthening and evolving our regulatory systems in response to a changing digital environment.

Key highlights this year include:

• Working with InternetNZ, developing a strategy to guide our work in addressing domain name abuse in the .nz domain name space.  

• Developing and publishing our 2026–2027 Monitoring and Compliance Plan. This plan sets out clear, transparent expectations for our regulatory activities, so that registrars, resellers, and domain name holders understand our approach. 

• Our innovative registration check tool that uses AI-speed responses to identify potential harm and verify registry integrity. 

The Board was also part of developing the InternetNZ Group strategic framework for 2026–2031. By aligning our priorities and resources, we are creating a more efficient, customer-focused, and values-based culture that honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi in everything we do.

My deepest thanks to the DNC Board for their expert stewardship and dedication to maintaining a trusted .nz domain name space.

Also, thanks to Barbara Pearse and the DNC team. Their professionalism and vision have been instrumental in navigating a rapidly shifting risk landscape with agility and success.

Next year, our focus will be on bringing the new 2026–2031 Strategy to life. We'll be turning the ideas and priorities we've developed into practical actions, building momentum across the organisation.

Vivien Maidaborn, Chair of the Board 

A few highlights from our final year under the current strategy include:

• Publishing our .nz regulatory and compliance approach. This foundational strategy provides more transparency and guides the delivery of our regulatory and compliance activities. An outcome of the strategy is the development of our first proactive monitoring plan, which will be implemented as part of our 2026–27 work programme.

• Development of our registration check tool to identify likely malicious domain name registrations for auditing. Online criminal activity and DNS abuse are escalating globally, requiring timely, increasingly sophisticated responses to ensure the .nz domain name space remains trusted. While our regulatory framework provides a solid foundation, our systems and capabilities must continue to mature. 

Over the last year, DNC staff, Board Directors, and InternetNZ have worked to develop the InternetNZ Group’s 2026–31 Strategy. The Strategy charts a clear path that builds on the core work of InternetNZ and the Domain Name Commission, contributing to a trusted and thriving Internet for all New Zealanders. The Strategy sits alongside Te Korowai o Ipurangi Aotearoa and incorporates our values, Ngā Uara. Together, these guide our people and decision makers as we deliver on this new strategy over the coming five years. 

Thank you to the DNC team, who contributed not only to strategy development but also for continuously improving our systems and processes, and facilitating good outcomes for domain name holders and users of the .nz domain name space. The team’s ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage competing demands has been essential in this rapidly changing environment.

Thank you to the Board, whose guidance and experience have helped steer DNC through a significant period of growth and change over the last four years of the Strategy.

And finally, you will notice the title of this report includes our new Te Reo Māori name, Te Kōmihana Taumatarau, which was recently gifted to us. In te ao Māori, a gifted name is more than a simple translation. It is a taonga that carries meaning, responsibility, and connection. This name reflects who we are, the essence of the work we undertake, and the aspirations we hold for the future. It acknowledges our place within Aotearoa and our commitment to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Barbara Pearse

Domain Name Commissioner | Taumata-whakarae  

Our strategic direction and priorities are set by our Board, who meet regularly throughout the year.

Vivien Maidaborn

Chair 

Mel Hewitson

Independent Director 

Wi Pere Mita 

Independent Director 

InternetNZ has appointed the Domain Name Commission to manage aspects of the .nz domain name space under an Operating Agreement. DNC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of InternetNZ, operating independently in its regulatory and decision-making functions.

Our role includes authorising registrars, monitoring regulated parties compliance with and enforcing the .nz Rules and providing a disputes resolution scheme to promote fairness, transparency, and accountability in the registration and management of .nz domain names. 

We work with registrars, domain name holders and other stakeholders to ensure good compliance outcomes, resolve disputes, and to identify and respond to emerging issues. We operate within a wider national ecosystem to disrupt online scams, fraud and domain name abuse, to maintain the integrity of the .nz register, and ensure the security, stability and resilience of the .nz domain name space. 

Our vision:

A .nz that is fair for everyone. 

To be a fair, independent, and accessible modern regulator who provides trusted and effective management, oversight and regulation of the .nz domain name space.

Our strategic priorities:

• Centering Te Tiriti o Waitangi throughout all we do.

• Strengthening the home of .nz to reflect the importance of the .nz critical infrastructure for Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Effectively regulating the .nz domain name space.

We have structured this report to correspond with our core functions. Our strategic priorities are represented across each of these sections.  

Our core functions:

Our regulatory activities are broad and have been distilled into eight core functions:

Key strategies and supporting documents  

For 2025–26, we developed and published a number of key strategies and documents in respect of our regulatory framework and some in conjunction with InternetNZ, as part of the InternetNZ Group strategies.

.nz Regulatory and Compliance Approach

We published our .nz Regulatory and Compliance Approach, a new foundational strategy approved by the Board that will guide the delivery of our regulatory functions. This strategy provides an overview of how we make decisions and how we can support and work with regulated parties (including registrars and domain name holders) to understand their rights and obligations under the .nz Rules. Our aim is to ensure that our regulatory activities are operated and enforced in a fair and transparent manner. 

Monitoring and Compliance Plan 

Under our regulatory and compliance approach, we committed to publishing an annual monitoring plan to provide more transparency about our focus areas each year.  This plan supports our transition from an historically reactive, complaints-based model to a proactive risk-based approach. 

New version of the .nz Registrar Authorisation Agreement

We updated our Authorisation Agreement in conjunction with InternetNZ’s review of its Connection Agreement and updated .nz Rules. The new version provides greater alignment with the .nz Rules, including the defined terms and more consistency with the .nz Connection Agreement, with some clauses and defined terms now identical (where appropriate).

Domain Name Abuse Strategy for .nz

We worked with InternetNZ on developing a Domain Name Abuse Strategy for .nz. Currently, the .nz Rules prevent us from acting on complaints about activities related to domain name use, including complaints about phishing, malware, and objectionable content, except in exceptional or emergency circumstances. It is proposed that the initial focus under this foundational strategy will be addressing scams and fraud facilitated by DNS abuse, which will require InternetNZ to review and consult on proposed changes to the .nz Rules as an initial step.

InternetNZ Group Strategy 2026–2031

Approved in March 2026, the InternetNZ Group Strategy 2026–2031 marks a significant milestone as the first joint strategy co-created by the Boards of InternetNZ and the Domain Name Commission. It establishes a unified roadmap to navigate an increasingly complex global environment shaped by rapid technological advancements (including AI), geopolitical fragmentation, and rising cyber threats.

The strategy grounds the Group’s work in a shared vision: A fair and inclusive Internet for Aotearoa New Zealand, where the trusted .nz brand drives social and economic value.

Enquiry numbers

In 2025–26, we received 2,847 enquiries across our email and inbound call channels, and our chatbot managed an additional 1,505 enquiries.  

Available around the clock, we created the chatbot to improve response times and answer commonly asked questions. We continue to develop the chatbot's knowledge in response to themes or questions we are receiving.

Types of enquiries received 

The top five enquiry categories:  

• 16% Updating registration information (increase from 10% in the previous year).
• 14% Conflicted domain name enquiries (increase from 10% in the previous year).
• 11% outside our remit.
• 10% enquiries about domain names in the redemption period.
• 8% Requesting information about the Dispute Resolution Scheme (same as the previous year 8%).

Customer feedback 

To support continuous service improvement, all customers are invited to provide feedback once their enquiry is resolved. This feedback is collected via an automated email generated by our ticketing system. We review all responses carefully to identify opportunities to enhance the experience people have when engaging with us.

This year, 33 customer surveys were completed. We received an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which is similar to last year’s average of 3.9. 

It is designed to resolve disagreements about who has the right to hold or use certain .nz domain names or .nz sub-domains, without the need to go to court. The New Zealand Dispute Resolution Centre (NZDRC) administers the DRS.

The purpose of the DRS is to provide dispute resolution processes that are:

(a)  culturally responsive, independent, fair, prompt, efficient, and effective;

(b)  provide a proportionate response to the complexity of the issues involved; and 

(c)  are a cost-effective and timely alternative to court or other proceedings.

Mediation 

In mediation, the parties speak for themselves and work together to negotiate a resolution to the domain name dispute. We offer this mediation service free of charge as part of our commitment to accessible and fair dispute resolution. 

In 2025–26:  

• 22 mediation claims filed
• Seven mediators were appointed
• One mediation resulted in a settlement.

Expert determination

Expert determination is a binding determination of a dispute by an independent expert. An expert may determine whether a domain name should remain with the domain name holder (dismissed) or be transferred to the party who submitted the claim (transferred).

In 2025–26: 

• A total of 16 expert claims were filed
• 17 expert determinations were issued (one claim was filed in the previous year)
• From the 17 expert determinations, 16 transfers were ordered, and one claim was dismissed.

Tikanga cultural support

We provide funding for tikanga-based support if requested by a party to a claim. No cultural support was requested during the period.

Case study: marvell.co.nz

Respondent did not respond in time, but later consented to the transfer — transfer ordered

In April 2025, Marvell Asia Pte Limited filed a claim for the domain names marvell.nz and marvell.co.nz. The respondent did not file a response within the 10‑working‑day window required under Rule 10.17, but subsequently emailed NZDRC to confirm it had no interest in retaining the domain names and consented to their transfer. This created an unusual procedural question: whether an expert could act on an informal consent given outside the formal response window, or whether the matter had to proceed as an uncontested determination in the usual way. The Expert, Kevin Glover KC, resolved this by reference to the broad powers conferred under Rules 11.2 and 12.8, which allow an expert to conduct proceedings in any manner consistent with the Scheme’s purpose — efficiency, proportionality, and avoiding unnecessary cost and delay. Forcing a reasoned determination where both parties’ wishes were clear would have served none of those purposes. The Expert ordered the transfer accordingly. 

We publish a summary and a link to the full decisions on our website. 

We undertake both proactive (planned) and reactive (by referrals) monitoring activities on a risk-based approach. Currently, we undertake data validation and identity verification audits to ensure compliance with the .nz Rules.

Under the .nz Rules, domain name holders are required to ensure their registration details are accurate, complete, and kept up to date. In addition, they must meet the eligibility criteria (an identifiable individual over the age of 18 or a lawfully constituted entity). This can be demonstrated if they verify their identity or by providing evidence of incorporation, if a lawfully constituted entity.

Proactive data validation and identity verification audits 

This year, we completed 1,206 data validation audits with the sample selected from our domain name registration check tool. In addition, 238 identity verification audits were completed for the domain names that passed the data validation audit. This resulted in 70% and 42%, respectively, of the domain names being suspended for failing an audit.

Reactive data validation and identity verification audits

This year, we completed 341 data validation audits of domain names that were referred to us for allegedly being used maliciously (among other things). In addition, 120 identity verification audits were completed for the domain names that passed the data validation audit. This resulted in 161 (47%) and 45 (38%), respectively, of the domain names being suspended for failing an audit.

Market Data portal

We maintain a market data portal on our website that provides insights on domain name average retail pricing, renewal rates, creates, deletes, and transfers to other registrars (among other things). The data is uploaded each month to ensure accurate and up-to-date information about the .nz domain name space. 

Key market statistics 

In 2025–26, in the .nz domain name space:

• 765,094 .nz domain names as of 31 March 2026, an increase from 750,909  at the same time last year.

• 91,321 .nz domain names changed registrars during the year, an increase from 30,201 last year.

Key indicators of market health

As of 31 March 2026, there were 71 .nz authorised registrars.

Four registrars held 64.8% of the .nz domain name market — an increase from 57.94% at the same time last year. These figures treat each registrar separately and do not aggregate where there is common ultimate ownership.

We use the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), a widely used metric for assessing market concentration and competitiveness. An HHI score below 1,500 indicates a competitive marketplace. The HHI for this financial year was 1,090 indicating a competitive .nz market.

The Commissioner is also a member of the ccNSO Domain Name Abuse Standing Committee and attends online meetings and workshops, as well as in-person planning sessions at the ICANN conference. These engagements help us share knowledge, strengthen skills, and stay alert to current and emerging risks within the domain name ecosystem, both locally and globally.

Key in-person engagements: 

• 2025–26, Four Registrar Advisory Group Meetings.
• June 2025, ICANN83, Prague Policy Forum
• September 2025, .nz Registrar Summit, Christchurch
• November 2025, .auDA Registrar Summit, Australia
• March 2026, National Cyber Security Summit

The Commissioner, Barbara Pearse, led the organisation, supported by a dedicated leadership team: Operations Manager Dylan Connolly and Head of Technical and Relationships, Ann Ibrahim.

 In addition, we also have two new senior advisors and an advisor who can work across all our core functions. We also receive resourcing from InternetNZ through a shared services agreement for operational support, including communications and finance activities.

Cultural capability — Taonga app 

In 2025, InternetNZ Group launched an internal tool to support staff and Board members in developing their Māori cultural capability. The app, known as .nz Taonga, provides essential tools and information and serves as a resource for engaging with Māori language and tikanga concepts.

This app is regularly used by staff to access karakia and waiata. A key feature of the app is that it provides recordings to assist with pronunciation, enabling staff to listen and learn through accessible audio. This enhances understanding and helps build confidence among staff. 

New te reo Māori name 

Kāteao Limited gifted us a Te Reo Māori name that captures the essence and nature of the work we carry out: Te Kōmihana Taumatarau. While taumata can mean “high standards”, in a digital context, it can also describe an online platform that is multi-layered or complex in its functions. Rau reflects multiplicity, aligning with our diverse responsibilities. Te Kōmihana Taumatarau also provides a cohesive and consistent foundation for the proposed Māori role titles for our team members.

Working for DNC 

Our approach to work, Together Working Better, embraces flexibility and remote working. To support connection and collaboration across the organisation, we regularly bring staff together with the InternetNZ Group through events such as a staff wanānga, mid-year planning sessions, and an end-of-year celebration. 

This year, we continued to develop our use of Agile methodology across the organisation. We have also looked to embrace technology where we can to ensure that we remain an effective and efficient regulator.   

People are the heart of delivering our work effectively. To support our team, we offer a range of benefits, including paid home internet, health and wellbeing insurance, a dedicated volunteer day, and flexible working arrangements.