Schedule 3 (version 2) — Conflicted Names Process

Schedule 3 (version 2) came into effect on 1 July 2025.

1. Introduction 

1.1. A process has operated since 2014 under which parties holding Equivalent Domain Names at the third level can agree who can register the equivalent domain name at the second level.  

Note: This process only applies to a subset of third level registrations that were registered before 30 May 2012 and was developed as part of the introduction of .nz direct registrations.

1.2. On 1 July 2025, the ability to agree who can register the equivalent second level domain name ends. In particular, from 12pm  1 July 2025 a conflicted domain name will only be released where a single equivalent third level domain name remains - as a result of the cancellation of the other Equivalent Domain Names. This is known as a “last person standing” resolution.

1.3. Subject to the “last person standing” resolution process, the conflicted domain names will remain blocked unless this policy is reviewed and changed.

2. Definitions 

2.1. A “Conflicted Domain Name” means the equivalent second level domain name where:

2.1.1. Two or more equivalent domain names exist at the third level; and

2.1.2. Prior to 1 July 2025 preferences have been filed in the preference database in respect of those (two or more) third level domain names and the conflict has not been resolved.

2.2 An “Equivalent Domain Name” is the same series of letters and numbers to the left of the most left dot in a domain name and Equivalent Second and Third Level Equivalent Domain Names have corresponding meanings.

3. New Conflicted Domain Names process (2025)

3.1. InternetNZ Group will create and maintain a list of Conflicted Domain Names not resolved as at 12pm  on 1 July 2025.  The Conflicted Domain Names on that list will be blocked unless they are able to be released under the last person standing resolution process.

3.2. InternetNZ Group will create and maintain a list of Equivalent Domain Names in respect of which preferences were filed for the Conflicted Domain Names on or before 12pm on 1 July 2025.

3.3. InternetNZ Group will monitor the lists and identify Conflicted Domain Names in respect of which there remains only one remaining continuously registered third level equivalent domain name.

3.4. Approximately once a year a batched release of domain names will be undertaken where there is only one remaining continuously registered third level equivalent, and accordingly:

3.4.1. The holder of the final remaining Equivalent Domain Name will be notified (by emailing the registrant contact in the register) and given at least two calendar months from the date of notification to register the second level domain name (Conflicted Domain Name).

3.4.2. Where the holder of the final remaining Equivalent Domain Name does not register the second level domain name (Conflicted Domain Name) within the notified period it will be released for general registration.

3.4.3. Where, at the time that the batched release process commences, there is no remaining third level domain name registered (that is, all the third levels have been cancelled) then InternetNZ group need not offer the second level name (Conflicted Domain Name) to any person.

3.4.4. InternetNZ need only offer the option to register to the person who is the holder of the remaining third level domain name at the time of the commencement of the batched release process. There is no obligation to restart the process because a change of domain name holder occurs during the process.

4. Review 

4.1. The Conflicted Domain Names process may be reviewed in line with normal .nz policy development and review processes.

5. Commencement and transitional provisions 

5.1. The New Conflicted Domain Names process (in clause 3 above) comes into force at 12 pm  on 1 July 2025 and this Schedule 3 version 2 replaces Schedule 3, version 1 at 12pm on 1 July 2025. 

5.2. Where an agreement to change a preference has been made before 12pm on 1 July 2025, but it has not been actioned (by making a preference change in the preference database) by 12pm on 1 July 2025 it will be considered invalid.

5.3. Where resolutions by agreement have been made, and preference change has been lodged, as of 12pm on 1 July 2025 the person entitled to register the domain name must register it within a reasonable period notified to them (being no less than two months). If the domain name is not registered within the notified period then the domain will continue to be blocked and will be managed under the 2025 process.