How to become a registrar
Any legal entity can apply to the Domain Name Commission to become an authorised .nz registrar.
We oversee the .nz domain name space to ensure compliance of registrars with the .nz Rules and to maintain a competitive market. We have a robust authorisation application review process to ensure new entrants to the .nz market meet the standards and obligations to operate in the .nz domain name space. Any legal entity can apply to the Domain Name Commission to become an authorised .nz registrar.
To become an authorised .nz registrar, you need to complete our pre-application, application review and post-application steps.
The applicant will need to pay the one-off $3,000 NZD + GST application fee (No GST for overseas applicants). We will not proceed with the application review until this is received. (This fee is non-refundable if your application is declined).
Step 1: Pre-application
Prior to your application being submitted, our team will meet with you and walk you through the licensing application process so that we can manage expectations and timings with you.
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Submit your expression of interest to [email protected]
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Attend an engagement walkthrough session with one of our team.
Step 2: Application submission and review
Following your engagement walkthrough session, you will be able to complete and submit your licensing application
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Complete the Registrar Licensing application provided by the DNC.
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Ensure you submit thorough answers and all required supporting documents. The reasons for delays in reviewing your application may be because of missing supporting documents and incomplete or vague answers to application questions.
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An intention to approve or decline authorisation will be given once the application review is complete.
Step 3: Post application and .nz registry connection
If your application is approved, you will then be able to test and configure your systems with the .nz registry. InternetNZ will assist you in this process. The DNC will inform InternetNZ of your approved application.
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InternetNZ will send you a welcome email outlining the onboarding process and documentation required from you.
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Once InternetNZ have received all completed required documents. InternetNZ will liaise with you to connect the InternetNZ Registry System (IRS) and walkthrough the testing process.
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More detailed information regarding the Connection Process can be found on InternetNZ’s website
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InternetNZ will require you to demonstrate the following:
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Comprehension and understanding of the IRS,
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Your interface with our systems works correctly,
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Ability to execute all IRS transaction types.
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Technical information for connection and testing in the IRS OTE environment can be found here.
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You will need to complete the InternetNZ Connection Agreement, connect to the .nz registry, and pass operational testing and evaluation.
Access to Production
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Once InternetNZ is satisfied with operational testing and evaluation. Production access to IRS will be granted and DNC will be notified.
Step 4: Authorised .nz Registrar and onboarding process
Once authorised and connected to the .nz registry, you will be displayed on both the DNC and InternetNZ’s website as an authorised .nz registrar
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The DNC will contact you about the onboarding process and send you a welcome pack outlining key obligations as a .nz authorised registrar.
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The DNC can assist in bulk transferring existing domain names to you from another registrar if required.
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The DNC will engage with you in the early months of you operating as a .nz authorised registrar through regular sessions and meetings.