.nz Policy Review, 2LD Policy Amendments

Under the current Second Level Domains (2LD) Policy, anyone can apply to create a new open or moderated 2LD that fits the criteria specified in the policy at http://dnc.org.nz/content/secondleveldomains.html. With the decision made to allow registrations in .nz at the second level, the ability to create new 2LDs will no longer be applicable and so it is proposed to set a closing date for accepting applications for new 2LDs.

It is proposed that applications cease being accepted by DNCL on 30 April 2014. This timeframe gives time for any party wishing to create a new 2LD time to apply and go through the process prior to the implementation of registrations at the second level later in the year.

Once a final date for accepting applications is announced, it is not known how many may be received and so it is also proposed to amend some of the timeframes specified in the process section of the policy to allow some flexibility given the pressures that may be on DNCL and NZRS at that time.

The table below sets out the proposed amendments to the 2LD policy in italics. They include a specific statement that, given the move to allow registrations at the second level, the DNC will contact any registrants of a name at the third level that may be impacted by the application.

Clause	Current wording	Proposed wording
5.1	Any individual or organisation may initiate the process of creating a new 2LD, or changing the definition of a current 2LD within the .nz domain name space, by sending a proposal to the DNC together with any applicable application fee.	Any individual or organisation may initiate the process of creating a new 2LD, or changing the definition of a current 2LD within the .nz domain name space, by sending a proposal to the DNC together with any applicable application fee. Applications for creating a new 2LD close on 30 April 2014. Applications received after this date will not be considered. The only requests for new 2LDs received after that date will be those requested under Clause 10 of the proposed RMC policy relating to registrations at the second level.
B2.5	The DNC may solicit submissions whether to be in the defined period, or afterwards, from relevant parties to assist in gaining useful feedback on the application.	The DNC may solicit submissions whether to be in the defined period, or afterwards, from relevant parties to assist in gaining useful feedback on the application. Given registrations at the second level are being implemented into .nz, the DNC will contact any registrants of a name at the third level that may be impacted by the application.
B3.2	Provisional registrations will open within a month of the InternetNZ Council's decision, and with at least ten working days' public notice. Provisional registrations will be made through authorised .nz registrars.	Provisional registrations will open after InternetNZ Council's decision on a date agreed with the applicant and the registry, and with at least twenty working days' public notice. Provisional registrations will be made through authorised .nz registrars.
B3.8	If provisional registrations meet the threshold level set, the 2LD will be declared active, and the new 2LD included in the next zone push to the DNS. Registrars may commence offering ordinary registrations, with their usual .nz domain name terms and conditions, as soon as the declaration is made.	If provisional registrations meet the threshold level set, the 2LD will be declared active, and the new 2LD included in the next practicable zone push to the DNS. Registrars may commence offering ordinary registrations, with their usual .nz domain name terms and conditions, as soon as the declaration is made.
B4.2	The DNC will, within ten working days, and with at least five working days' public notice, make a public announcement of the opening of the new moderated 2LD, and will publish the moderator's contact details and the moderation policy on the DNC's website.	The DNC will, on a date agreed with the applicant, and with at least five working days' public notice, make a public announcement of the opening of the new moderated 2LD, and will publish the moderator's contact details and the moderation policy on the DNC's website.

Submissions closed 5pm, Wednesday 12 March 2014.