New level of Internet domain names - more choice for NZers

New level of Internet domain names to provide more choice online for New Zealanders

Media release - 11 October 2013

The Council of InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc) has today approved a policy proposal from subsidiary Domain Name Commission Ltd to allow domain names to be registered at the second level in the .nz domain name space, giving New Zealanders even more choice in getting online.

By allowing registrations at the second level, people and organisations will be able to register theirname.nz instead of theirname.co.nz or theirname.net.nz (the current system, which allows registrations at the third level only).

InternetNZ President Dr Frank March says this move fits with InternetNZ’s principles and aligns the .nz domain name space with a majority of other top level domains that already allow registrations directly at the second level.

“A major principle for us is that the choice for registrants should be maintained and expanded, this move will provide a useful expansion” said Dr March.

Domain Name Commission Chair David Farrar agrees, saying "This change will enable greater choice for people, companies and organisations wanting to get online or expand their online presence.
“This decision will future-proof the .nz domain name space and help it stay relevant to New Zealanders.”

No changes are being made to existing second levels - all existing domain names will continue to be available, and people will still be able to register new domain names in the current second level categories like .co.nz, .org.nz. This change will provide new choices and options for New Zealand domain name registrants once it comes into effect.

The final proposal to make this change to the .nz domain name space was reached after two rounds of consultation starting May 2012, analysis of public opinion, and extensive discussion with interested parties.

A final policy implementing the proposal will be subject to public consultation in 2014.

ENDS

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