Main Entities

In the shared registry system environment operated in New Zealand, there are four major players:

InternetNZ - is in effect in a steward role for.nz. InternetNZ also established the Domain Name Commission to manage the oversight role and operate in effect as the market regulator.

Registry - this is New Zealand Domain Name Registry Limited (NZRS).

Registrars - a company or organisation has to be an authorised registrar before it can interface directly with the registry. The Domain Name Commission is responsible for authorising entities to become .nz registrars. To become an authorised registrar, an organisation is required to meet certain minimum requirements and disclose information about its activity/processes. The process is one of authorisation rather than accreditation. The Domain Name Commission monitors the activities of registrars, and retains the power to investigate their activities as appropriate and de-authorise them if required. InternetNZ has a standard registrar authorisation agreement covering the respective rights and obligations between the registrar and InternetNZ.

Registrars are also be required to sign a contract with the registry - a connection agreement that covers their technical and billing relationship with the registry.

Registrants - these are the people/organisations that have registered a domain name for their use. Registrars have their own standard terms and conditions governing the relationship between themselves and their registrants.