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The Domain Name Commission is calling for submissions to its
proposal to extend the .nz domain name space by allowing anybody to
register domain names at the "second level". This would
mean that, for example, baldwins.nz would be a valid
domain available to register. At present, .nz domains can only be
registered at the "third level". For instance,
baldwins.co.nz.
Historically, there has not been widespread support for changing
.nz to allow registrations at the second level. However, there is a
growing trend internationally to permit second level registrations.
For example, there are now over two dozen countries that allow
registrations at both the second and third levels. The introduction
of second level domains, therefore, allows New Zealand to adopt
international best practice.
However, if the proposal is implemented, the annual domain
registration cost for many organisations may double. This is
because organisations will have to pay for two domain names (both
baldwins.co.nz and baldwins.nz) to ensure that
third parties do not secure one of those domain names. If
organisations fail to register both domains, then they risk
allowing confusion in the marketplace.
The Domain Name Commission has proposed that there will be a
"Sunrise Period" where existing .nz domain name holders
can register the second level variant of their name before public
registrations open. As part of the proposal, where two or more
domain registrants currently own the same domain name at the third
level - for example, two different owners for
baldwins.co.nz and baldwins.org.nz - then the second level
domain will not be able to be registered unless the consent of the
other third level domain name holders is received.
This article was written with assistance from Shiv
Narayan
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.
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