Registering Conflicted (blocked) domain names.

Background

In 2014 the .nz domain name space released registrations directly at the second level, meaning more choice in .nz domain names. For example, you could get ‘anyname.nz’ and didn’t need to first have, say, a ‘co’ or ‘org’ as in anyname.co.nz or anyname.org.nz.

If there was more than one existing .nz domain name registered before a cut-off date (such as anyname.co.nz and anyname.net.nz), then we gave both the registrants rights to the new shorter version of the domain name.

In July 2025, the conflicted name process was changed to:

  1. Retire the process of allowing agreements to be made as to who should register a conflicted domain name, including ending the lodging of preference changes at 12pm on Tuesday, 1 July 2025.

  2. Continue to block the remaining conflicted domain names from registration.

  3. Confirm and continue the ability for InternetNZ to release conflicted domain names in the future when only one remaining conflicted domain name remains in a conflict set.

We have provided information below to explain how this new process works.

Conflicted Names are now “Blocked”

All conflicted names as of 1 November 2022 were moved to a “blocked” list. This prohibits the registration of these domain names on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Domain name holders are able to request the registration of these domain names; however, the Domain Name Commission will only approve this registration in the following circumstances:

  • The conflicted/ blocked domain name has been resolved via preference lodging of those who have rights to the conflicted domain name.

  • The request received to register the domain name matches the registration information of the domain name with rights.

The Domain Name Commission reviews all requests for registration of “blocked names” and will only sign off/ accept these based on the above criteria being met.

Communication the Registrants Receive

The Domain Name Commission has a process in place to notify the eligible domain name holder to register the blocked domain name (prior to 1 July 2025).

  • DNC will send an automated notification email as soon as the domain name is resolved and will encourage the eligible registrant to register the resolved name.

  • DNC will send automated reminders following the first notification - to the eligible domain name holder within the 60 days period the domain name has been resolved to allow the eligible domain name holder to register the domain name. 

After 60 days, if the eligible domain name holder does not register the blocked domain name, the domain name will get released to the public.  

How does a registrar identify a conflicted/blocked name?

Whether you are using EPP or IRS Portal, please check the steps outlined on the InternetNZ Product Documentation site. 

What happens when a request to register a domain gets declined?

We suggest that domain name providers ensure they communicate the Domain Name Commission decision with their customers

 

DNC news