Introduction to NZ Whois

Every country has its unique signature in the form of a country code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD). For New Zealand, this digital signature is “.nz”. Managing a domain under this ccTLD involves understanding the .NZ WHOIS protocol, a crucial tool for ensuring transparency and accountability in the world of digital domain management.

We’ve already covered many examples of ccTLDs. BR for Brazil, DK for Denmark, ME for Montenegro, and so on.

Lastly in the article we will make an example request with our Whois API which allows us to parse the data and programmatically check if the .NZ domains are registered, where they are registered and where they are hosted.

The Role of .NZ in Domain Management

.NZ is the country code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD) designated for New Zealand. It serves as a key identifier, indicating that a website or online service has its roots in New Zealand. Just like a physical address helps locate a specific place in a city, a domain name under the .NZ ccTLD helps users identify and access New Zealand-based digital entities on the internet.

The .nz domain is organized and managed by InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc.). InternetNZ is a non-profit organization responsible for the .nz country code top-level domain and is tasked with ensuring its operation in a secure and stable manner. It oversees the policy and administration of the .nz domain space, aiming to promote the internet’s benefits and uses within New Zealand.

There is also Domain Name Commission NZ. They provide oversight of the .nz domain name space. 

The .nz domain was created on January 19, 1987 (source: Wikipedia on .NZ ). Since its inception, it has played a crucial role in establishing New Zealand’s presence on the internet, providing a distinct identity for New Zealand-based entities and individuals online.

What is a ccTLD?

A ccTLD, or Country Code Top-Level Domain, is a two-letter domain extension assigned to a country or autonomous territory. Examples include .nz for New Zealand, .uk for the United Kingdom, and .ca for Canada. ccTLDs are crucial in the domain name system (DNS), allowing countries to establish a unique, identifiable digital space that reflects their cultural, linguistic, or geographical uniqueness.

Similar to other ccTLDs, including .BG (Bulgaria) which we covered recently, there’s a variety of domains offered to the New Zealand population. CO.NZ is one such domain, and the most popular.

No .Kiwi?

For the aficionados out there, there’s another TLD that exists that we don’t cover here: KIWI. This is a gTLD and is not covered by the ccTLDs we mentioned so far. Since there are over 1500 TLDs, we’ll have to cover .Kiwi another time.

.NZ WHOIS: An In-depth Look

WHOIS is a query and response protocol widely used for querying databases that store the registered users or assignees of a domain name .NZ WHOIS specifically refers to the WHOIS service for .nz domains. It allows individuals to retrieve important information about a domain name registered under the .nz ccTLD. Usually, a WHOIS includes the domain owner’s contact information, registration and expiration dates, and the associated nameservers.

The use of .NZ WHOIS promotes transparency and security in the digital space. It’s an essential tool for various stakeholders:

1. Domain Buyers: Prospective buyers can use .NZ WHOIS to check the domain’s status and history before purchase.
2. Legal Entities: In case of legal disputes or intellectual property issues, stakeholders can identify the domain owner and initiate appropriate legal actions.
3. Cybersecurity Professionals: Experts use WHOIS data to track malicious activities or investigate cybersecurity incidents.

However .nz Whois has strict rules:

It is prohibited to: Send high volume WHOIS queries with the effect of downloading part of or all of the .nz Register or collecting register data or records; Access the .nz Register in bulk through the WHOIS service (ie. where a user is able to access WHOIS data other than by sending individual queries to the database); Use WHOIS data to allow, enable, or otherwise support mass unsolicited commercial advertising, or mass solicitations to registrants or to undertake market research via direct mail, electronic mail, SMS, telephone or any other medium; Use WHOIS data in contravention of any applicable data and privacy laws, including the Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act 2007; Store or compile WHOIS data to build up a secondary register of information; Publish historical or non-current versions of WHOIS data; and Publish any WHOIS data in bulk.

New Zealand: A Snapshot

New Zealand, known for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and innovative economy, is a country that prides itself on its commitment to environmental preservation, social welfare, and technological advancement. From the breathtaking fjords of Fiordland to the bustling streets of Auckland, New Zealand is a testament to the harmonious balance between nature and modernity. This commitment to progress and sustainability is mirrored in New Zealand’s digital domain, where the .nz ccTLD plays a vital role in the nation’s digital identity and infrastructure.

NZ Whois example

.NZ WHOIS stands as more than just a protocol; it’s a testament to New Zealand’s dedication to maintaining a secure, transparent, and well-regulated digital space. Understanding .NZ WHOIS and the broader context of ccTLDs is essential for anyone navigating the digital landscape, be it for business, legal, or security purposes. As New Zealand continues to embrace the future, its digital domain, marked by the .nz ccTLD, will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping its journey in the digital era.

As mentioned before, NZ whois has strict rules, and because of that our Whois API has been blocked. So lets say you want to build a domain checker, or domain monitoring, or you need help detecting bad actors, it’s going to be impossible.

Usually what you would get with a manual whois check is the following:

The WHOIS record for the domain anz.co.nz provides comprehensive information about the registration and management of this specific .nz domain, associated with ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited. Here’s a breakdown of the key details from the record:

1. Domain Information:
   • Domain Name: anz.co.nz
   • Query Status: Active, indicating that the domain is currently registered and operational.
   • Domain Date Registered: The domain was originally registered on 10 March 1997, highlighting a long-standing presence on the internet.
   • Domain Date Expiration: The domain is set to expire on 01 January 2025, indicating that the registrant has secured the domain well into the future.
   • Domain Date Last Changed: The last update to the domain’s record was on 29 December 2023, which could reflect a change in registration details or a renewal.
   • Domain Signed: No, indicating that the domain does not have DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) enabled. DNSSEC provides a layer of additional security by ensuring that the website’s visitors are directed to the correct server.
2. Registrar Information:
   • Registrar Name: CSC Corporate Domains, Inc, a well-known registrar that provides domain registration and management services.
   • Registrar Website: https://cscdbs.com
3. Registrant Contact:
   • The domain is registered to ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited, with a physical address at listed in the Whois record. This includes contact phone number and email, showing that the bank directly manages or oversees the domain’s administration.
4. Administrative and Technical Contacts:
   • Both the administrative and technical contacts are listed as “Domain Administrator” at the same address as the registrant. This likely indicates a centralized management of domain-related issues within the organization.
5. Name Servers:
   • The domain uses Akamai Technologies’ name servers (e.g., a1-6.akam.net, a12-66.akam.net, etc.), suggesting that the website utilizes Akamai’s global content delivery network (CDN) for performance and reliability enhancements.

This WHOIS record provides a snapshot of the domain’s registration, showcasing its stability and the serious approach by ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited towards its online presence. The choice of registrar and DNS services reflect a commitment to security and global accessibility, crucial for a financial institution’s digital operations.