New .nz domain addresses available – 30 September 2014
In case you haven't heard, as of 30 September the New Zealand Domain Name Commission will be offering .nz domains for registration. These new .nz domains will exist alongside the existing .co.nz/.org.nz/.net.nz type second level domains which many of you will already have.
What you should be deciding
If you are a New Zealand business or an international business with a New Zealand domain presence you should be considering whether you should replicate (or replace) your existing .co.nz presence with a .nz domain.
If you are looking at entering the market and considering what New Zealand domain address to use .nz presents a new option for you to consider.
Three processes for buying .nz domain
There are three registration processes running in parallel as of 30 September to be aware of:
- Where no one owns a second level .nz domain for the name the .nz domain is available as of 1pm on 30 September on a first come first served basis;
- Where you're the only owner of a second level .nz domain for the name you can buy (or reserve for a limited time) the .nz domain from 1pm on 30 September. But if you don't buy the domain or reserve the domain by 30 March 2015 it's then available to all on a first come first served basis;
- Where there is more than one owner of a second level .nz domain for the name you will need to go through a conflict process.
If you fall into that last category don't let your .co.nz domain lapse until the conflict process is complete as it may result in you no longer being eligible for the .nz domain.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
