Service description

The government domain service offers central and local government agencies:

• domain name registration
• secure name server hosting
• a resilient DNS management portal.

These services are currently provided for the following moderated second-level domain spaces across the public sector:

• .govt.nz
• .parliament.nz
• .health.nz
• .mil.nz.

Other domains (such as .co.nz and .nz) may be accepted for public sector organisations.

The service includes:

• moderation of applications for new domain names in a moderated third-level space
• registration and automatic renewal of domain names
• a secure self-service DNS management portal with high availability
• name server hosting, including the enhanced security of DNSSEC
• the use of IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.

You can use the DNS management portal to:

• keep your domain names contact information up to date
• set the name server delegation for all your domain names
• add or modify DNS zone data.

Government domain names

Benefits

The DNS service enables central and local government agencies to self-manage their DNS data through an online management portal available 24/7.

Specific benefits include:

• online domain name application form and moderation process
• two-factor authentication for DNS management portal users alongside other security measures making it appropriate for government use
• 5 resilient configured government name servers offering fully managed DNSSEC, IPv6 addressing, and 99.999% availability
• domain name registration and support for te reo Māori domains with macronised vowels
• technical support available via phone and email.

Lead Agency

Public Service Commission via the Government Digital Delivery Agency (GDDA).

Status

Operational.

Adopting the service

The Government Digital Delivery Agency (GDDA) is the sole registrar for domain names in the following domain name spaces:

• .govt.nz
• .parliament.nz
• .health.nz
• .mil.nz.

The .govt.nz name space is reserved for statutory entities and government programme, including the Public Service, Crown entities, local authorities and a variety of other bodies with statutory responsibilities.

This does not include state owned enterprises (SOEs) and may not include some Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs — formerly called Local Authority Trading Enterprises).

Contact domains@digital.govt.nz for more information.

How to register a .govt.nz domain name

Apply through the the DNS management portal:

DNS portal

Or download and complete a domain name application form. Email it to domains@digital.govt.nz.

Domain name application form (DOCX 160KB)

Lead Agency Agreement summary

• Managed service
• All of Government.

Supplier information

Liverton Security — DNS infrastructure and management services.

Liverton Security website