Change my preference for a conflicted domain name

Find out on this page how to change your preference in regards to a conflicted domain name. We have put together a number of ‘How do I guides’ for commonly asked questions that we receive at the Domain Name Commission. We understand that sometimes issues can be complex and these guides might not have all the answers that relate to your specific problem. If this is the case, please contact us.

You can also find more information on conflicted domain names here.

The migration to the new .nz registry platform has caused some slight changes to how parties change their preference for a conflicted domain name.

Registrants (domain name holders) involved in a conflicted domain name need to agree among themselves who can register the domain name directly at the second level. An agreement can only be reached by taking part in the Conflicted Names Process. This works by having each registrant manage their preference. 

Eligible parties for a conflicted domain name had until 27/10/17 to lodge their preference for the name. If a preference wasn’t lodged by this date they were removed from the conflict set and no longer had rights to the conflicted domain name.

What does registered at the second level mean?

For example:

• anyname.nz - anyname is registered at the second level.
• anyname.co.nz - anyname is registered at the third level.

Follow these steps to change your preference:

1. You will need your domain name. Head over to this page, the lodge your preference portal.

2. To login to the portal:

• Enter your existing domain name and click ‘Sign in’.
• An email will be sent to the registrant's email address that is listed on the registration record.
• In that email, there will be an authorisation link, click on the link, and it will then log you into the portal.

3. Select one of the following preferences:

• I want to try and get the shorter version of my domain name.
• I don’t want the shorter version of my domain name and don’t care who gets it.
• I don’t think anyone should get the shorter version of my domain name.

Don’t forget to click submit. 

You are all done! You will receive an email stating that you have successfully lodged your preference for the conflicted domain name.

How to register a resolved domain name

If the preference you have selected has resolved the conflict, the party that now has rights to register the conflicted domain name will be sent an email.

You will have two months from the date of the resolution to register the resolved domain name through a registrar of your choice; if the resolved domain name is not registered by this date, it will become available to be registered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

We suggest that you directly contact the .nz authorised registrar you wish to register this domain name.

You can refer to our list of .nz authorised registrars.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can registrants involved in a conflicted domain name agreement reach an agreement?

Registrants entangled in a conflicted domain name scenario must collectively determine who can directly register the domain name at the second level. This consensus is established through the Conflicted Names Process, wherein each registrant manages their preference. 

What was the deadline for eligible parties to lodge their preference for a conflicted domain name?

Parties eligible for a conflicted domain name had until 27/10/17 to submit their preference. Failure to do so resulted in removal from the conflict set and forfeiture of rights to the conflicted domain name.

Can you explain what it means to be registered at the second level?

To clarify, consider this example: "anyname.nz" signifies that "anyname" is registered at the second level, while "anyname.co.nz" indicates registration at the third level.

What is the process for registering a resolved domain name?

If your chosen preference resolves the conflict, the party with rights to the conflicted domain name will receive an email notification. You have two months from the resolution date to register the resolved domain name through a registrar of your choosing. Failure to register by the deadline will result in the domain becoming available for first-come, first-served registration.

How should I proceed to register a resolved domain name?

Contact the .nz authorised registrar of your preference to initiate the registration process.