Register a .nz domain name?
Domain names are the building blocks for creating websites and email addresses. The “.nz” at the end of web and email addresses is the country code top-level domain or ccTLD. Holding a ccTLD immediately shows a user your association with a country.
We have put together this guide; if you have any questions about registering a .nz domain name that this guide doesn’t cover, please contact us here.
Is domain name registration and website hosting the same thing?
Domain name registration and website/email hosting are two different services. A domain name is registered for you by an authorised registrar (domain name provider). Some authorised registrars also offer website/hosting services.
You may also select a different provider from your domain name provider for your website/hosting services.
How do I register a .nz domain name?
Steps for registering a .nz domain name.
- Check to see if the domain name you want is available to be registered here.
- Select a domain name provider.
The Domain Name Commission recommends using a .nz authorised provider. You can find a .nz authorised provider here. As the DNC is the regulator for the .nz domain name space, we cannot recommend one provider over another. Other domain name providers may resell domain names through .nz authorised providers. If you need website hosting/email hosting, you may wish to see if your domain name provider also offers these services. - Register your domain name.
To register your domain name, you will need to proceed through your domain name provider's process. This will most likely be like an online store where the domain name you want to register is listed, as well as any other services. - Once your domain name is registered.
Once registered, ensure that your registration information is accurate. You may be able to apply the Individual Registrant Privacy Option (IRPO). With IRPO, the contact address, telephone number, and email address will be withheld from being publicly displayed as part of the WHOIS registration of the domain name. You can find out more about the Individual Registrant Privacy Option (IRPO) here.
Make a note of when your domain name and associated services are due for renewal. One of the most common reasons for websites/emails to go offline is people have forgotten to pay their domain name registration fees.
What to consider when choosing your .nz domain name.
How much support might you require from your provider? Consider the level of support you require from your provider, especially if you have multiple .nz domain names. Customer service options vary by the registrar. For example, some providers may be contacted only by email, while others provide 24/7 contact centre support.
Is your domain name unique? Unique domain names can help avoid disputes. Disputes can sometimes arise over who should be the domain name holder. You can find out more about the Dispute Resolution Service (DRS) process here.
Are you registering at the second level or third level? .nz domain names can be registered directly at the second/third level. Some third-level spaces are a better representation of your potential online presence. For example, suppose the domain name you are registering is related to an organisation. In that case, you might want a .org.nz domain name, or if it is a school or an academic institution, you may want to think about a .school.nz or a .ac.nz. A complete list of third levels can be found when doing an availability search here:
How do I manage my domain name?
You can find some handy tips on managing your domain name here.
If you have any issues regarding your domain name, always contact your domain name provider for assistance.