Expired .NZ Domains

Who can use a .nz domain name?

Anyone who wants to set up an online presence in NZ or run their business from here, regardless of where they are based, can register a .nz domain.

Anyone living or working full-time in New Zealand can register a .nz domain name. In case you are not a resident of New Zealand but have a business connection here, you can still register .nz domain name.

This is especially so if your registrant (usually the web hosting company) is based in NZ. You need to provide a copy of your business registration from New Zealand.

Who can regulate .nz domain name?

The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) – the global coordinator of the DNS Root, IANA is responsible for delegating all top-level domains such as  .nz to each country and territory on behalf of the internet community.

In New Zealand, the Domain Name Commission (DNC) is responsible for managing .nz domain names.

Tips to choose ideal .nz domain name

It's important that you register a New Zealand-based domain name - one that includes your business or personal web address and reflects your connection with New Zealand, such as  mybusinessname.co.nz.

If your name is available, that's the easiest option to choose.

The best way is to find a good domain registrar and use their tools, although there are some free ones around that you can do yourself if you have the time or inclination.

Common subdomains for .nz domain name

You can also register a second-level domain under  co.nz or org.nz, depending on what type of organisation you are running and whether you want your website visitors automatically redirected to another site.

Common subdomains for .nz are:  

·co.nz - used by individuals and organisations that are not registered as a company or non-profit

·.org.nz - used by non-profit organisations

·.school.nz - used by government and private schools in New Zealand  

·.gov.nz - used by government organisations in New Zealand

· .ac.nz - used by tertiary institutions and their students

Can you register .nz domain without a local presence?

You can still register a .nz domain name if your company is registered outside of NZ but has an office here, provided it meets the following criteria:

The company must either be registered with New Zealand Companies Office or have its primary place of business in NZ.  

Its contact details, including address and phone/fax number, should be publicly available on the internet (e.g., through a website) to anyone who queries the WHOIS database for your domain name.

What documents do you need to register .nz domain name?

When registering your .nz domain name, you will need to provide the following information:

The full (legal) name of your company or organisation. This must be exactly as it appears on any official documentation issued by New Zealand's companies registry. Your trading address in NZ including postal code and/or suburb.

The contact details for an individual who is authorised to act on your behalf and who will be responsible for  administrating your domain name (the administrative contact).

The contact details of an individual, or individuals, authorised to act on your behalf as technical contact(s) (if necessary), including their email address.