.nz framework policy

Version 2.0

1. Introduction

1.1. This policy sets out the high level framework by which Internet New Zealand Inc (InternetNZ) and its subsidiary Domain Name Commission Ltd (DNCL) fulfils the role of designated manager for the .nz domain name space, also referred to as the .nz country code top level domain (in this policy, referred to as the “.nz TLD”).

1.2. InternetNZ serves as the designated manager (or ccTLD manager) at the pleasure of the local Internet community. It regards this role as one being done on trust and on behalf of that community. Consistent with RFC1591, there is no concept of “ownership” involved.

1.3. Changes to this policy are made according to the process set out in the InternetNZ Policy Development Policy available at www.internetnz.nz.

2. Principles for the .nz TLD

2.1. The following overarching principles govern the operation of the .nz TLD:

2.1.1. Rule of law: the laws of New Zealand apply and the lawful instructions of the courts and the authorities made as part of due process will be complied with – noting that this may require action that overrides the following principles.

2.1.2. First come first served: any domain name can be registered if it is available for registration on a first come first served basis.

2.1.3. Registrant rights come first: the rights and interests of registrants are safeguarded.

2.1.4. Low barriers to entry: entry requirements are set no higher than necessary to maintain a competitive and stable market for registrars.

2.1.5. No concern for use: the ccTLD manager is not concerned with the use of a domain name.

2.1.6. Structural separation: regulatory, registry and registrar functions are structurally separated.

2.1.7. Clear chain of relationships: all registrants have agreements with their registrar, and all registrars with the registry and with DNCL. Where appropriate the DNCL can intervene in these relationships consistent with this policy, the .nz policies and associated agreements and contracts

2.2. These overarching principles apply to all decisions and policy frameworks for the .nz TLD.

2.3. Any changes to these overarching principles would only be made after extensive public consultation and discussion within the local Internet community.

2.4. General principles for the management of top level domains have been published by InternetNZ and give further explanation of how .nz is intended to be operated. These are available at https://internetnz.nz/tld-principles

3. Operating framework & allocation of responsibilities

3.1. The critical elements required for the operation of the .nz TLD are
as follows:

3.1.1. Day to day management of the .nz TLD

3.1.2. Operation of the .nz register

3.1.3. Operation of the .nz DNS

3.1.4. Maintenance of the security, stability and resilience of the .nz TLD

3.1.5. Establishment, development and enforcement of the policy framework applying to the .nz TLD

3.1.6. Establishment, development and enforcement of the contractual framework applying to the .nz TLD

3.2. InternetNZ is responsible for the overall operation of the .nz TLD. In
doing so it is responsible for:

3.2.1. the long-term strategy for the .nz TLD, which binds the InternetNZ group;

3.2.2. maintaining and developing the policy framework within which the .nz TLD operates;

3.2.3. the operation of the .nz register and .nz DNS consistent with agreed and publicly available service level commitments;

3.2.4. billing relationships with authorised .nz registrars;

3.2.5. marketing of the .nz TLD to help drive an increase in registrations over time;

3.2.6. setting the monthly registration fee for .nz domain names;

3.2.7. intellectual property rights in the .nz register;

3.2.8. being the lead representative for the group in the Internet Governance system (e.g. ICANN, APTLD) in collaboration with DNCL; and

3.2.9. the ongoing development of the product offering (e.g. the introduction of DNSSEC).

3.3. InternetNZ has established a subsidiary company, DNCL, to assist it with implementing its responsibilities as designated manager.

3.4. DNCL is delegated the responsibility for assuring compliance with the policy framework applying to the .nz domain, and providing dispute resolution services. In doing so it is responsible for:

3.4.1. enforcing compliance with the policy framework within which the .nz TLD operates;

3.4.2. developing and enforcing the contractual framework within which the .nz TLD operates;

3.4.3. providing dispute resolution services for registrants; and

3.4.4. monitoring and reporting on the markets that operate in the .nz TLD.

3.5. Together, InternetNZ and DNCL are responsible for:

3.5.1. Developing a strategic view of .nz

3.5.2. maintenance of the security, stability and resilience of the .nz TLD; and

3.5.3. publication of a range of information about the .nz TLD; and

3.5.4. the promotion of the .nz TLD in the public interest.

3.6. InternetNZ holds DNCL to account through its ownership interest in the company, through the Group Chief Executive chairing the Board of DNCL, and through the shared strategy and budget planning process.

3.7. The delegated responsibilities in this policy are the full responsibility of the subsidiary. InternetNZ holds DNCL to account for their performance of these responsibilities. In turn, InternetNZ will not seek to interfere in the subsidiary’s exercise of these responsibilities.

3.8. DNCL reports to InternetNZ on their corporate performance, and on their responsibilities as set out in this policy and in the DNCL Operating Agreement, as set out in the Planning and Reporting policy.

4. Other related policies and documents

4.1. There are a number of other documents that are related but are not part of this policy but are consistent with it.

4.2. Particular attention is due to the Constitution and Operating Agreement for DNCL, and to applicable strategies and plans covering .nz.

4.3. These documents can be found on the website at https://internetnz.nz/dotnz or at https://internetnz.nz/governance.