Register a conflicted domain name?

Find out more information on this page about conflicted domain names and how to resolve them. The migration to the new .nz registry platform has caused some slight changes to how parties register 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.

What is a conflicted (blocked) domain name?

A conflicted domain name is a .nz domain name that is available but is unable to be registered until it is resolved, for example:

If anyname.co.nz and anyname.org.nz is registered to 2 different registrants (domain name holders) then anyname.nz is a conflicted domain name.

In order for a party to register anyname.nz they will need to obtain the consent of the 2nd registrant.

What is a conflict set?

Using the above example, for the conflicted domain name anyname.nz:

anyname.co.nz and anyname.org.nz are part of the ‘conflict set’.

If you wish to find out who all the parties are in a conflict set please contact us here and we will be able to provide this to you.

I am part of the conflict set, how do I register a conflicted domain name?

1. You will be required to contact the other parties that are part of the conflict set to see if they will allow you to register the conflicted domain name.
   
   
2. They will need to change their preference here and choose ‘I don’t want the domain name’ if they agree, this will then resolve the conflicted domain name. 
   
   
3. Once you have done the 2 steps above, you can then contact your domain name provider to register the resolved domain name. Please note, that the Domain Name Commission needs to approve the registration of the resolved domain name and that this may take a few working days to be completed.
   
   
4. 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.

I am not part of the conflict set, how do I register a conflicted domain name?

1. You will be required to contact one of the conflicted parties to see if they will register the conflicted domain name for you on your behalf. Please note that a party without rights cannot be added to the current conflict set. Contact the Domain Name Commission for a list of conflicted parties.
   
   
2. You will then need to contact the rest of the parties in the conflict set and consent from them advising that they do not want the conflicted domain name. They will need to change their preference here and choose ‘I don’t want the domain name’.
   
   
3. Once you have done the 2 steps above, the first party can register the now resolved domain name for you and then can action a change of registrant with you. 
   

What is a self-conflicted domain name?

A self-conflicted domain name is where the same registrant (yourself) holds all the second level variants of the conflicted domain name. For example, if you are the registrant of anyname.co.nz and anyname.org.nz then anyname.nz is self-conflicted.

You can find out more about self-conflicted domain names here.

How can I find out who the parties are in a conflict set?

You can contact us to request information about the parties involved in a specific conflict set, and we will provide you with the necessary details.

What is the timeframe for registering the resolved domain name?

You have two months from the date of resolution to register the resolved domain name through a registrar of your choice. If the domain name is not registered within this period, it will become available for registration on a first-come, first-served basis.

What happens until all parties agree on a resolution?

Until all parties reach an agreement, the conflicted domain name will remain unavailable for registration to anyone.

Why do conflicted domain names occur?

Conflicted domain names arise when different parties register the same name under different second-level variants, leading to potential conflicts. The introduction of new registry platforms or changes in registration policies can also contribute to conflicted domain names.

Can a conflicted domain name be resolved without consent from all parties?

No, all parties in the conflict set must provide consent for a conflicted domain name to be resolved. The unanimous agreement ensures fair and equitable resolution for all parties involved.

Can the Domain Name Commission intervene in the resolution process?

The Domain Name Commission facilitates the resolution process by providing information and assistance. However, it does not intervene directly in conflicts or enforce resolutions. The resolution process relies on the voluntary agreement of all parties involved.

More information

Until all parties can agree, the conflicted domain name will remain unavailable to everyone.