Second Level Domains - Policy review

Expressions of interest are sought from people interested in being involved in a review of the Second Level Domains policy.

Review of the Second Level Domains policy

The .nz Oversight Committee (NZOC) plans, over time, to undertake reviews of each of the current .nz policies and procedures. Given that there is currently a moratorium in place for applications for new second level domains (2LDs), NZOC consider it appropriate that the review of the Second Level Domains policy be undertaken first.

Currently there are 11 .nz 2LDs. The most recent of these is .maori.nz, which was established on 5 September 2002 following a successful application by the New Zealand Maori Internet Society.

Recent applications for new 2LDs have generated discussion about 2LDs in the .nz name space. This discussion has been both around the name space in a wider sense, as well as about the current 2LD creation process. Therefore, the review to be undertaken will consider all aspects of 2LDs in the .nz space for example, whether it should be easier or harder to get a new 2LD, whether all the existing 2LDs should remain and even whether the .nz space should have 2LDs at all.

The review team will be chaired by the DNC, and will involve a representative from the NZOC plus four other people with interest in this subject. Expressions of interest are sought from people who believe they can make a contribution to this review, and who are willing to offer their ideas and time to fully explore this topic.

If you are interested in being involved in the review, please send an email to [email protected] including a brief description of who you are and why you are interested in being involved. The NZOC will look at all expressions of interest and decide on the participants of the review. Expressions of interest are required by 6 January 2003.

The review team will develop detailed terms of reference, and a project timetable. This timetable will take into account the time commitment that members of the team are able to contribute. The positions are not paid but expenses will be covered

Note: this review will not affect the process currently underway for the proposal to create .geek.nz. The .geek.nz application will continue to be processed according to the current policy.

The other policies

NZOC are aware that there may be issues with some aspects of the current .nz policies and procedures. Comment on the .nz policies, by email to [email protected], is welcome at any time. Though NZOC have elected to first undertake a review of the 2LD policy, they will initiate other reviews as required should feedback show there is a specific issue that needs to be addressed.