Things to know before you register your new domain

Domain registration: A general overview

When you register a domain name, you get the rights to use it for a certain period. New Zealand domain names can be registered with any number of accredited registrars (like Domains Direct), and there are no restrictions on who can register a .nz domain name.

However, to register a domain name you must provide up-to-date contact information and abide by .nz policies. Whatever domain name you register, you can use it for email addresses, websites, etc. There’s no difference between an “email domain” and a “website domain”.

.nz domains are our specialty

Any domain that ends in .nz is regulated by InternetNZ, the official domain name regulator for New Zealand. Your domain can end directly in .nz (e.g. example.nz), or have a second-level domain before the .nz. The most popular second-level domains are .co.nz (for commercial use), .net.nz, and .org.nz (for non-profit organisations).

Some second-level domains are more restricted than others. For example, school.nz and health.nz are only available to registered schools and health organisations. Meanwhile, .govt.nz is reserved for Government use. There’s a full list of moderated and unmoderated second-level domains on Wikipedia’s .nz article.

The idea behind moderated domains is to make sure that users can trust that the content on these domains is relevant and accurate. You want to know that Government websites aren’t fake, right?

Without these regulations, anyone could create a website with false information and pose as a credible source. Therefore, while the restrictions may seem limited at first glance, they are actually in place for the benefit of users.

Are domain names free forever?

Your domain name is your online identity. Just like your physical address, it allows people to find your website and reach you online. But it’s more like an address that you rent for a while (usually 1-10 years) rather than buy. While you have the first right to renew the domain name before it expires, retaining it requires paying the annual fee. The moment you let your domain name expire, anyone worldwide can buy it - including your competitors.

Are there any limitations in a domain name?

Once you register a domain name, you can do whatever you want with it - within the bounds of the law. You can leave it unused, create a website, connect email addresses, and so on. Of course, if you want to sell it or lease it to someone else, you can do that too. Like with any property, if you take good care of your domain name and keep it well-maintained, it will be more valuable. So whatever you do with your domain name, remember that you are in control. It's your little slice of the internet!

How do I choose a domain name?

A domain name is an important component of any online presence. They act as an identifier and a way to direct traffic to your website or email address. When buying a .nz domain name, you can include numbers, letters, and hyphens. You also need to provide your name and address and an email address so that you can be contacted quickly.

What’s the difference between domain registrants?

Domains Direct is one of many companies that offer .nz domain registration. The main difference between these companies is the cost (we aim to be fair, clear, and offer the lowest price) and the management tools they provide. If you want to manage a lot of domains, it’s definitely worth comparing the management tools that each company provides. If you're only going to have a handful of domains, then features like bulk renewal probably won't matter to you.

How to register a domain name

Ready to go? Check out our guide to registering a domain with Domains Direct.