overview

This profile looks at administration of the dot-nz space - the New Zealand ccTLD.

The profile covers -

• this overview, with an introduction to the cctLD and its management
• structure - the shape and size of the dot-nz space
• administration - registry, registrars, policy bodies and rules
• statistics - key figures regarding the dot-nz space
• landmarks - a brief history of the space

There is a separate more detailed profile covering Australia's dot-au space and auDA, the nonprofit body responsible for developing and administering dot-au policy.

This site includes detailed information about domain names, network issues and the governance of cyberspace.

     New Zealand's domain space

Management of domain names in New Zealand has had a somewhat trajectory to that in Australia, passing from an academic volunteer through to a non-profit non-government organisation (encompassing policy, registry and registrar responsibilities) to the current regime where there is a separation of policy and administration. In contrast to the Australian regime the national government has not enacted legislation to provide a 'safety-net' regarding potential policy/administrative failures, conceivable given the small number of players and the visceral nature of some disagreements.

Like dot-au the New Zealand ccTLD features a range of second level domains (some with only a handful of names); new 2LDs are being added to reflect the enthusiasms of particular stakeholders, with for example a 'geek' 2LD.

In April 2004 InternetNZ sought public comment on a proposed revised policy for 2LD registrations.

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