.nz domain name transfers - bulk transfers

The Domain Name Commission is providing this additional information on the Bulk Transfer process offered to .nz accredited domain name providers.

  • DNCL may, in its sole discretion, offer to carry out a bulk transfer, especially where it is in the interest of Domain Name Holders that DNCL carry out the bulk transfer.
  • An adequate timeframe is provided to both the Domain Name Commission and the .nz domain name holders affected.

The bulk transfer facility is performed by the Domain Name Commission under special circumstances on behalf of registrars  as outlined in .nz rules under section 4.2.7.

Examples of when DNCL will carry out a bulk transfer include:

  • If a domain names providers business is sold to another domain name provider
  • If a .nz accredited domain name provider's accreditation is removed. 
  • Or as part of the .nz accredited domain name provider entry to the .nz market
Step-by-step high-level process

Step 1: Contact the Domain Name Commission

You need to email [email protected] with your domain name transfer request at the earliest possible for further guidance on domain name transfers.

Step 2: Ensure the domain name provider receiving the .nz domain names is a .nz accredited registrar.

The domain name provider receiving the .nz domain names has to be a .nz accredited domain name provider before the transfer is initiated.

Step 3: Get in touch with the gaining .nz registrar.

Get in touch with the gaining .nz accredited domain name provider and ensure they are aware of the transfer and the .nz rules in relation to the transfer. 

Step 4: Prepare the .nz domain name list.

Prepare a list of the .nz domain names that will be transferred out. Domain name holders of these domain names will need to be notified ahead of the transfer as specified in the .nz rules section 4.3.6. The list should not include any subdomains or any domain names that are not under the .nz country code top-level domain (ccTLD).

Step 5: Prepare the domain name holder correspondence.

Draft the domain name-holder correspondence. The correspondence will need to include the following details

  • The current domain name provider. It is recommended that you specify both the legal name and the trading name
  • The domain name provider who the domain names will be transferred to. It is again recommended that you specify both the legal name and the trading name.
  • The date the transfer will take place. 
  • A ‘What do you need to do?’ section. This section would notify the domain name holder whether there is any action on their side or confirm that there is no action on the registrant’s side.
  • A ‘How do I opt-out section?’ This section will explain how domain name holders can opt out and choose a different provider.
  • Any changes to the .nz Registrant Core Terms and Conditions need to be clearly outlined, and if not, a confirmation that there are no changes.
  • Any other changes (billing, platform, etc..) need to be mentioned, and if not, a confirmation that there are no other changes.
  • Support email or a phone number for .nz registrants to use in case they need help or in case they need their domain name auth-code.
  • The reason(s) behind the transfer operation or the change to a new provider.
  • A ‘What if I have a complaint’ section, and you need to include the below about the Domain Name Commission (DNC).

"The Domain Name Commission (DNC) provides oversight of the .NZ domain name space keeping .NZ fair for everyone.  

Please use this simple form https://dnc.org.nz/enquiry-form/ to contact the  Domain  Name  Commission to ask a question, submit a complaint against a provider or report a problem with information on .NZ registry."

Step 6: Planning and timeline.

Ensure the domain name holder communication notice is given at least 30 days before the proposed transfer is implemented as outlined in the .nz rules.

Step 7:  Satisfy DNCL that each affected domain name holder has been notified about the proposed transfer.

Share the domain name holder communication with the Domain Name Commission and confirm in writing that the domain name holder communication has been sent and the date the registrant comms were sent.

Step 8:  Verification and closure.

Verify that the transfer occurred successfully.

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