Updated .nz Rules — summary of the most significant changes
.nz Rules are changing
What has changed?
InternetNZ has been running the .nz policies review process since 2019. As a result, the different sets of .nz principles and policies in the five existing policy documents have been combined into one document called .nz Rules.
The .nz Rules are providing a more coherent policy framework that is linked in a user-friendly way.
When did the change come into effect?
The .nz Rules came into effect on 1 November 2022.
Where can I find the list of changes?
You can find a summary of the most significant changes that will have an impact on registrars and proposed action steps on this page.
Please note that this page is the source of truth on the .nz Rules rollout. We will update it and add more information to it regularly.
Please also note that we have received feedback and recommendations since publishing the Final Tranche One .nz Rules, which may result in minor amendments to the .nz Rules. They will be reviewed, implemented and communicated after 1 November 2022.
I have questions!
Please email us at dotnzreview@internetnz.net.nz if you have any questions about the .nz Rules rollout and what it means to you as a .nz registrar.
What you need to know and do
.nz Rules clauses to note and things you can do to prepare yourself for the Rules coming into effect on 1 November 2022
| Clause in .nz Rules | Details | What you will need to do? | Comments from InternetNZ |
| 2.3.12 | This clause provides that the default term is one year. | Note the default term from 1 November 2022 is one year and prepare accordingly. | Check InternetNZ Product Documentation. |
| 2.3.6 | This clause provides a proposed new requirement for registrars to inform domain name holders that the domain name has been registered and tell them about the Domain Name Commission (DNC). | Need to inform domain name holder:
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Find out more about the DNC on the Commission website.
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| 3 | Note: uses the generic term "authorisation code" rather than "UDAI." | Start using the term "authorisation code" instead of UDAI, ideally from 1 November 2022. | UDAI was generated by the legacy SRS. It is not used in the IRS, where registrars can create their own authorisation codes. When you are referencing anything to do with the legacy SRS, UDAI is still a relevant term.
Check InternetNZ Product Documentation on UDAI change. |
| 4.1.3 | This clause has been transferred from a previous policy and provides that a registrar must not decline or delay a domain name holder’s request to transfer its domain name to another registrar (by withholding the authorisation code or otherwise). | A reminder to note that you must not decline/delay a request of such nature. | This will now be easier for our registrars as they can create their own authcodes. |
| 7.3.1 | This clause currently refers to a monthly fee, however, this will be updated to provide the fee of $18.00 (excluding GST) per year to reflect the minimum one-year term. | Note the yearly fee applicable from 1 November 2022 and prepare accordingly. | InternetNZ will update this clause on or after 1 November 2022 as part of a few additional changes, which we will make subject to the feedback we have received or will receive. We will keep you informed of these updates. |
| 8.2.2(i) | This clause extends the time from which a domain name holder can make a complaint about a registrar from 60 days from the date the relevant service was supplied to them to seven years from the date the events giving rise to the complaint occurred. | Note the time extension from 60 days to seven years and consider what information you need to store and how you will do this should a claim/complaint arise. | |
| 8.2.13 | This clause allows InternetNZ to suspend a Query Search without notice based on an evaluation relating to "the integrity of the .nz register or the security, stability or resilience of the DNS" rather than "extreme circumstances" that was in clause 21.4.4 of the Operations and Procedures Policy.
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Note the new evaluation and InternetNZ’s ability to suspend a Query Search without notice. |
More information is coming
InternetNZ will provide futher information and guidance on the following clauses
| Clause(s) in .nz Rules | Details | What does this mean for you? | More information to come before 1 November 2022 (unless otherwise stated) |
| 4.2.6 | This clause provides a new requirement for registrars to publish information about how domain name holders can transfer their domain name to another registrar. |
You need to:
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| 4.2.9 | This clause confirms the requirement for registrars to notify domain name holders before doing a bulk transfer. | You need to:
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We will provide you with information/a guide before. |
| 4.2.8 and 4.3.6(a) | A new provision that would allow the DNC (at its discretion) to do a non-standard bulk transfer of domain names where the interest of the domain holders requires this. This provision would be useful when there is a complete failure of registrar services. | You need to notify domain holders about this new provision when applicable, e.g. a failure of registrar services. | We will provide you with further information about what is meant by "complete failure of registrar services" and further guidance about how bulk transfers are processed. |
| 6.2.2 | This clause provides a proposed new requirement for registrars to help their domain name holders understand the privacy option. |
You need to:
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See the DNC guide. |
| 12.2.4 | This clause requires parties to respond to reasonable requests from the DNC for information to substantiate compliance with the .nz Rules. | You need to respond to reasonable requests. | When additional information is requested, the reason for this is always explained to the registrant. |
| 12.2.14(d) | This clause enables the DNC to cancel a domain name to preserve the integrity of the register or the security, stability or resilience of the DNS. | You need to have a process to deal with the consequences of the cancellation. | Further guidance will be provided in terms of the process that we will follow to cancel and this may assist with the process you wish to put in place. |
| 12.3.1 | This clause requires registrars to consult with DNC before notifying a reseller it has breached the .nz Rules. | Note the requirement to consult and have a consultation process in place/know how to start the conversation. | See the DNC guide. |
Download tranche one .nz Rules and summary of the most significant changes
Please note we have received some feedback and recommendations since publishing the Final Tranche One .nz Rules, which may result in minor amendments to the .nz Rules. These will be reviewed, implemented and communicated after 1 November 2022.