September 23rd, 2022 · by Domains Direct · 2 min read

The TL;DR of this article is simple:

• If you have any .nz domains that are due for renewal this year, get it done before November.
• If you are planning to register any new .nz domains this year, do it before November.

The reason we’re giving you this advice is because we think it’s a good idea to get all of your domains sorted out before a major technical project changes the registry system for the entire .nz domain space. That’s more than 750,000 domains, which is a lot of data. Maybe nothing will go wrong, but as we all know there are never any 100% guarantees when big tech projects are involved.

There’s no downside to renewing domains early. The extra year(s) that you secure are added on from the current expiry date.

InternetNZ, the organisation that ultimately manages .nz domains, has a go-live date of Tuesday, 1 November for its new registry (called the IRS). When they flick the switch, the best case scenario is that you won’t notice anything. If there are any teething problems or bugs, we can’t predict what they’ll be or how you might be affected.

This is why we’re suggesting that you avoid renewing or registering domains in November or December. Big technology projects are hard, and from experience we can tell you that the less you rely on brand new systems to work perfectly, the better.

Check your domain renewal dates

1. Log into your Domains Direct account
2. Open the Domains screen
3. Above your list of domains, click Expiry to order them by renewal due date.
4. If you have any domains due before 2023, click Renew in the left-hand menu to start the process.

Order new domains before November

If you want to be certain of securing the rights to any .nz domain this year, lock it in now, while we know that the system works. Or, at least, before Tuesday 1 November.

You can register domains directly from our home page.