Information on Domain Names, including how you register and renew a domain name via our Domain Manager.
How do I register a new domain name?
Warning for all Domain Name Registrants
General
Can I register multiple names at once?
Can you register all domain name extensions?
Do I own my domain name?
Do you provide free DNS services?
How do I request my UDAI / AUTH Code from my existing Domain Registrar?
How long can I have a Domain Name for, can anyone else register it?
If I register a domain with you, do I also need to host with you?
Tips For Choosing a Domain Name
What characters can a Domain contain?
What do the different Domain Extensions mean?
What does 'Pending Release' mean with a .NZ domain?
What is a domain name?
What is a UDAI / AUTH Code?
What is the difference between Domain Names and Hosting?
What responsibilities do I have when I register a domain name?
What types of Domain can I register?
Who can register a Domain?
Why are the details of my domain name publicly available?
Why do I need a domain name?
Why does my domain name load a '403 forbidden page'?
Why is my NZ domain name listed on Domain Auction websites?
Logging in
I need to confirm my identity to gain access.
I've forgotten my login details for my Domain Account?
Payment
Do you charge additional fees for having a domain name and do I get anything else with it?
Domains registered by International Customers (not based in NZ)
Haven't I already paid for my domain with Web/Email/DNS hosting account?
How can I pay for my Domain name?
What are your payment details, and how can I make payment?
Will I receive a tax invoice for my Domain Registration/Renew?
Your Domain prices are so good, are there any additional fees?
Usage
Can I host a Domain with Domain Manager but point it to another server?
Can I register a domain for multiple years?
Error when renewing my domain "We are not the listed registrar", why?
How do I cancel a Domain name?
How do I change my Domains A RECORD, CNAME, MX Settings?
How do I change my Domains Namerservers?
How do I change the ownership of a Domain?
How do I find out when my domain name is due to expire?
How do I get my .NZ domains UDAI / AUTH Code?
How do I renew my domain name?
How do I setup URL Redirection and Email Forwarding?
How do I transfer a Domain into your Domain Manager?
How do I transfer a Domain to another domain provider?
How do I update my domain name's contact details?
How long does it take for a Domain Name to be registered or transferred?
How long will my registration take?
How will I know my Domain is due for renewal?
My Domain name has expired, how can I renew it?
What happens if I don't renew my .NZ name?
What happens to a Domain once it's cancelled by the registry?
What if I don´t want my domain anymore?
What if I make a spelling mistake when registering a Domain?
Where can I view your Domain Registration Terms Of Service?
Why doesn't my UDAI / AUTH Code work?
Why have I received an email containing my UDAI / AUTH Code?
How do I register a new domain name?
You can register a new domain name, or renew your existing domain, by visiting our Domain Manager at www.domains.loungenetwork.co.nz. Or please email us.
Warning for all Domain Name Registrants
We have become aware that a small number of our domain names clients have been contacted and supplied with incorrect information by other companies in the web development and hosting field. This incorrect information relates to where the domain name is registered, and that the domain name needs to be transferred to the web developers own management in order to work with their new website. This information is NOT correct. If your domain name is registered through us, it will work with ALL hosting servers/websites/email configurations, no matter what they are. All you or your developer needs to do is change the DNS settings or point the domain records to their servers, which can be done very simply inside your Domain Manager account at www.domains.loungenetwork.co.nz . You DO NOT need to transfer your domain to your website developer, in order for it to work with your website/email.
Through our Domain Manger system, we provide two comprehensive control panels, that both allow the domain registrant to fully manage all aspects of their domain name, that they have registered through us.
Our Domain Manager Control Panel gives all of our domain clients:
- The ability to manage the contact details associated with that domain, and update them in realtime.
- Nameserver Control
- FREE Complimentary automated domain renewal reminders via email prior to the domains expiry date.
- Instant domain renewal and registration via Credit Card in real-time. This is perfect if your domain name expires or you need to register a new one outside business hours or in the weekend.
- 100% NZ based support and 100% NZ owned company. We have also been providing .NZ domain registration/renewal services for over 10 years, making us one of NZs longest established providers. This means we have a vast amount of knowledge of domain names.
All this is provided at no additional fee
The main benefit of using our Domain services is that at all times, .NZ Domain Registrants will have FULL CONTROL over their domain name and services, which clients may not get if the domain gets transferred to their website developers own control.
The potential dangers of moving your domain name to your web designer/developers, or to another hosting provider may potentially include:
- You may lose direct control of the domain, and they may not provide you with a control panel where you can manage the domain name. Many developers will only have a single control panel that they manage all their clients domains through. Therefore they aren’t able to provide you with your own separate control panel.
- They may modify the domains administrative and registrants email address to their own email address. This means that you would neither receive automated domain renewal reminders, nor be able to automatically generate a UDAI / AUTH Code when you need it through the control panel. You would instead be reply on your developer to contact you to remind you to renew your domain name. This could become a major problem if your web designer/developer/host ever disappears or ceases trading, and you are no longer able to contact them.
- They may register your domain under their own name, meaning that on paper they are the legally registrant of your domain, not you.
- They may charge you more for your domain renewal/registration.
We have seen all these problems occur in the past, over the last 10 years, and getting a domain name back under the proper domain registrants control can be difficult in some of these cases.
Transferring your domain to another party could mean that you could potentially lose direct control of you domain. Your web developer should never request your UDAI / AUTH Code without telling you why. If they do, you need to ask them why and whether you will still have a control panel for it's management, and that they won't change any of the contact details and email addresses associated with that domain to their own.
We recommend that if you are looking at moving your domain away from our system, that you only chose a domain provider that provides a full comprehensive domain name control panel where you still have full control over your domain name at all times. In general we recommend you don't give your UDAI / AUTH Code to anyone unless you know exactly what they are going to do with your domain, and that you will continue to be in full control of it. After your domain is transferred away from our management, and you have any problems with their management of it after this has been done, we will be unable to help you.
We also regularly get contacted by people who are trying to transfer their domain to us, but have been unable to, due to the website developer registering the domain under their own name instead of the correct company. As has been highlighted in the media recently, it is very important that all domain registrants make sure that the domain is registered under their own name and they have full control panel access to that domain to manage it at all times.
Can I register multiple names at once?
Yes, you can register multiple Domains and multiple suffixes at once through our Domain Manager. Or please email us with the domains you want to register.
Can you register all domain name extensions?
We can register a wide range of Domain Name extensions, which are listed on our Domains Page. These include New Zealand Domain Extensions, and most popular International Domain extensions. Our upstream providers also add new extensions from time to time. We however don't register every single domain extension, as there are now so many.
Do I own my domain name?
You own a license to use your domain name, as long as you pay the registry fees on an annual basis.
Do you provide free DNS services?
Our domain management system allows users to modify the domains nameserver settings to those of your web hosts server. eg ns1.nameserver.co.nz & ns2.nameserver.co.nz.
However we don't provide users with access to modify their own domains zone record, unless you are also signed up to one of our hosting plans. Most of our hosting clients have access via a control panel to make modifications to their domains zone file or via the Domain Managers Account Manager. Please refer to you hosting user guide.
How do I request my UDAI / AUTH Code from my existing Domain Registrar?
You can usually automatically generate a UDAI / AUTH Code for your domain name, through your domain registrars domain control panel. If you don't have access to a control panel, to get you UDAI, all you need to do is email your existing domain registrar the following request.
Please can you email me the UDAI for mydomain.co.nz (replace with your own domain)
Thanks
They will then send the UDAI code to the email address of the domain registrant on record. Please note that the domain registrar must send you this within a few days of the request being made. If you are not able to get a reply from your domain registrar, we would recommend contacting the Domain Name Commissioner at www.dnc.org.nz
If you are not sure who your existing domain registrar is, please enter your domain into the following form //www.loungenetwork.co.nz/whoisnz/ . Your domain registrants details are listed under the 'Registrars' details. If you need further help, please email us
How long can I have a Domain Name for, can anyone else register it?
Once you have registered your Domain Name with us, it is yours until you cancel it or it is cancelled for non-payment. Even after it has been cancelled, no one else can usually register it for a 30-90 day period from date of cancellation.
If I register a domain with you, do I also need to host with you?
No you don´t. However if you want to either setup web hosting services, including website forwarding, or any email services or forwarding, you will need to also purchase a hosting plan from us.
You can manage your domain name by logging into our Domain Manager Website at www.domains.loungenetwork.co.nz.
Tips For Choosing a Domain Name
- If your website mainly caters to the New Zealand market, then a .co.nz Domain Name is the more preferable choice. This is because .nz domains are well recognised in the New Zealand Market.
- If your website mainly caters to the International Market, then a .com Domain Name, would be the more preferable choice, as .coms are more widely recognised in the International Community
- If both .co.nz and .com domain names are available, we would recommend that you register them both.
- The best domain names are short, easy to remember, and difficult to mis-spell.
- Avoid using hyphens within the domain name. (the dash symbol -)
- Avoid unusual spellings in your domain name, (e.g. supa instead of "super"), unless you already have a strong brand using this spelling.
- Even if your company is not planning to set up a website or use the domain for email services, you should still register your companies domain as soon as you can, to protect your companies future online identity. As domain names can be registered by anyone, this means someone else could potentially register your domain if it hasn't already been registered. To get the domain back off them could prove difficult, and may mean going to court, or paying the registrant to buy the domain back off them. Therefore we recommend that all companies protect their online identity by registering their domain name as soon as you can.
- We recommend if you can, registering any generic domain names that are associated with your companies line of work. eg. www.builder.co.nz for a builder. It is however unlikely that generic domain names will still be available for .com domains, due to their popularity.
- Beware of domain companies who offer unbelievably cheap domain registration prices. Some of these may register the domain name in their companies name, and if you want the domain back, they will charge you a large fee for transferring the domain name into your name.
- There are many different domain extensions that we can register for you. Please click here to view what the different domain extensions mean
What characters can a Domain contain?
Domains may only contain a-z, 0-9, and - (hyphen). Domains can be up to 63 characters long, excluding the extensions. Domain names are not case-sensitive.
What do the different Domain Extensions mean?
.co.nz , .com , .biz - Commercial, profit oriented organisations
.org.nz or .org - Miscellaneous, usually used for nonprofit organisations
.net.nz or .net - Internet related organisations.infoInformation organisations
.govt.nz or .gov - Government organisations operating with statutory powers
.ac.nz or .edu - Tertiary or degree granting and related institutions
.school.nz - Primary, secondary and pre-schools and related organisations
.iwi.nz, .maori.nz - Maori tribe
.gen.nz - Individuals and other organisations not covered elsewhere
What does 'Pending Release' mean with a .NZ domain?
When a .NZ domain name is not renewed by a Registrant the domain name is deactivated by the NZ registry, and the status changed to Pending Release for a period of 90 days.
During the Pending Release state, the original Registrant has the right of renewal and can renew the domain name at any stage during the 90 days from the date of domain expiry. However the domain is not active and usable during this period. So if the domain is used for any website or email, those services will not work with the domain.
If the original Registrant does not renew the domain name after 90 days, the domain name is released and is again available for registration. If the registrant does renew the domain, it will be renewed from the date it expired, and not from the date it is renewed.
What is a domain name?
A domain name is a familiar, easy to remember name for a location or computer on the Internet. When you register a domain you will be able to use addresses which are completely unique to you/your company. A domain name can be used for a website address, email addresses or even just a holding page indicating that the name has been reserved.
What is a UDAI / AUTH Code?
A UDAI is an acronym for Unique Domain Authorisation ID and is your access code for managing your .nz Domain. UDAI's are made up of numbers and letters in both upper and lower case. UDAI's are case sensitive.
You can generate your UDAI / AUTH Code from within your account in our Domain Manager. Our Domain Manager system refers to the AUTH / UDAI Code as the 'Registry Key'.
The UDAI / AUTH Code is specific to each domain name and is required only to change the account your domain is in, or your domain registrar. When you register a new domain name, he code will be emailed to the registrant.
If you receive more than one code, the newest one that has been generated will be the one that is valid.
If you ever misplace your code, you can generate a new one at any time, through the Domain Manager.
What is the difference between Domain Names and Hosting?
When you register a domain name license, you get the right / license to use that domain name name for the time period you have registered it for. DNS/Website/Email Hosting is how you can use that domain name as an address for your website or email. In most cases, unless you intend to host your website and email yourself, you will need both a domain name and website/email hosting. Domain name and DNS/website/email hosting are separate services that are billed for at different intervals.
Your domain name is what people will type in when they want to visit your website (eg. www.yourdomain.co.nz) or send you email (eg. name@yourdomain.co.nz). However, you will need a computer to store or 'host' your website or email. This computer, usually referred to as a server, is the place where the data for your website and email is stored.
Website/Email Hosting is a service that gives you access to all the technical infrastructure needed to run a website and email, without any need for technical expertise or expensive hardware purchases.
With domain names, it is solely the domain registrants responsibility to know when your domain name is due for renewal and to pay for the renewal well before its due date.
You can source both Domain Name Registration and DNS/Website/Email Hosting Services from us. Both are separate services and paid for separately.
What responsibilities do I have when I register a domain name?
Your core responsibilities are to keep all information about your domain name current and accurate, know when your domain is due to expire, and to pay, as they become due, all the charges associated with the domain name.
When you register a domain name, you are accepting that the details in the register concerning your domain name are available to all as a matter of public record. This information consists mainly of contact details, relevant dates, and name server details.
In addition, you must comply with the relevant domain registration policies and satisfy yourself that your use of the domain name will not infringe anybody's intellectual property. Your obligations are defined in detail in our terms at //web.loungenetwork.co.nz/conditions/documents.htm
What types of Domain can I register?
You can register many different domain name extensions through Domain Manager. These include .nz .com .net .org .biz .info and .tv. Please visit our Domain Manager for the full list.
Who can register a Domain?
Anyone over the age of 18, or a registered company can register a Domain.
Why are the details of my domain name publicly available?
When you register a domain name, you are accepting that the details in the register concerning your domain name are available to all as a matter of public record. This is a requirement of registering a domain name. This information consists mainly of contact details, relevant dates, and name server details. No financial information is involved. The information may be used by others to contact you regarding the right to use the domain name, or on technical matters relating to the domain name. It could also be used by law enforcement agencies pursuing enquiries relating to the domain name. Parties authorised to access the register are forbidden from using your personal details for targeted contact campaigns.
Why do I need a domain name?
A domain name is a portable identity for you/your company on the Internet eg www.loungenetwork.co.nz.
By portable, this means that if you need to move webhost, you simply move your website across and change the domain name to point at the server at your new webhost. Domain names can also be used as a branding tool to reinforce your company's identity.
Basically without a domain name, people will find it very difficult to find your website, especially if you keep changing website hosts.
Why does my domain name load a '403 forbidden page'?
If your domain displays the following...
Forbidden
You don't have permission to access / on this server.
This means that your domain hasn't been configured yet to work with your website hosting. Please contact us if you would like to set up web or DNS hosting with us.
Alternatively by logging into our Domain Manager, you are able to setup your Domain 'Nameservers' for your domain name to point towards the host of your choice.
Why is my NZ domain name listed on Domain Auction websites?
Your domain names may get listed on different domain auctions websites if the domain registrant hasn't renewed their domain before the expiry date, and it enters 'Pending Release' mode. Only domains that are in 'Pending Release' should get detected and added to the NZ registrars auctions feed, which gives people some of the first opportunities to bid and possibly buy domains that could be released back to the public, if they don't get renewed by the original domain registrant. .NZ Domain names can be renewed by the domain registrant within 90 days after a domains expiry. If after 90 days of the domains expiry the registrant hasn't renewed the domain, they are released back to the public where anyone can then register them. Please note that if you have let your domain lapse and have not renewed it within the pending release period, then someone may buy your domain, and either use it, or try and sell it. They may even try and sell it back to you. So you should always make sure your domain is renewed before it expires, and all your domain records are kept up to date.
I need to confirm my identity to gain access.
We will very rarely ask for you to confirm your identity for your Domain Name. However we will need to ask you to confirm your identity if you have forgotten or misplaced your Domain Manager login details and you aren't able to login, AND your contact details/email address have changed without keeping your contact details inside the Domain Manager up to date. Please note this is not the same as changing the 'legal registrant/owner' of the domain name, which you can do by clicking here.
To confirm your identity as an individual, you will need to send us a copy of ONE of the following, along with details of what you would like to change your Domain Manager accounts email address and contact details to, and it needs to be signed.
- Valid NZ drivers license
- Valid NZ Passport
Any other evidence that you are the legal registrant of the domain would be appreciated, such as past tax receipts of the domains registration/renewal.
If you are a company, then you will need to send us a certificate of incorporation for the company AND a letter printed with the companies letterhead and signed by one of the directors recorded with the NZ companies database. Also one of the directors of the company will need to send us either a copy of either a valid NZ drivers license or NZ Passport.
As this requires us to manually check and modify your details which can take a great deal of time at our end to confirm everything is correct, we do have to charge an administration fee of $25+GST ($28.75 inc GST). This is payable on submission of the request.
Please note that we cannot guarantee that the details you provide us will be enough evidence that you do own the domain, as we must be satisfied prior to changing any details. We will however contact you if we have any problems with the evidence you have provided us with
I've forgotten my login details for my Domain Account?
When you signed up to our services you will have received a Domain Manager username and password. Please check your email archive to find this.
If you have since deleted this, you can retrieve it by visiting our Domain Manager website at www.domains.loungenetwork.co.nz going to the Customer Login section on the left side of the page, and at the bottom of this section you will find a 'Forgotten your password?' link. Click this link, and you will need to enter either you Domain Manager Username OR the email address associated to the domain account. You will then be prompted to enter the answer to your secret question.
If you still are not able to get access, please email us, and we will email the login details to the email address on record.
Please note that if your email address has changed, and you haven't updated it inside the Domain Manager, and you therefore can't check the email address we sent it to, then you will need to confirm your identity to us so we can manually change your email address to a new one. This is for security to ensure that someone else doesn't illegally gain access to your account and Domain Name.
Please click here for information on authenticating your identity.
Do you charge additional fees for having a domain name and do I get anything else with it?
We don't charge you any additional fees for setting up your domain name, apart from the normal annual domain registration / renewal fees. You can setup a Domain Name inside the NZ Domain Manager at domains.loungenetwork.co.nz
The domain registration fee solely covers the domain registration, and does not include any other services. The domain registration fee gives you a license to use that domain for the term you have paid for. No hosting services of any kind are included with the domain name registration. If you need any hosting services such as those listed below, you must purchase a hosting plan. You can purchase a hosting plan by contacting us.
- DNS Hosting
- Web Hosting
- Email Hosting
- URL Forwarding
- Email Forwarding
- Database Hosting
Our hosting is fully featured and provides access to all the services above from inside the hosting control panel. You can choose to use one or more of these services with your domain name. You are also able to connect third party services such as a website builder to your hosting and domain name using the built in DNS hosting template, which is included with all paid hosting plans. Some hosting plans also allow you to connect multiple domains to them. Hosting fees do also include New Zealand based online support with decades of experience. This is unlike many domain providers now operating in NZ that use offshore contact centres where English is usually not their first language and they may have limited knowledge and experience.
Please note that because Domain Registration and Hosting Accounts are separate services, they are billed for separately and at different intervals.
Domains registered by International Customers (not based in NZ)
We only allow the registration of .NZ domains by International Customers. .NZ domains for International Customers are $45.94/per year per domain registration/renewal. You will also be required to pay our international transaction fee / credit card fees, to cover the transaction of your payment into our bank account.
If you are an international Customer, but have a New Zealand bank account, you are best to make payment through your New Zealand bank account.
Please contact us if you are needing to pay us for a domain name, if you are an International Customer.
Haven't I already paid for my domain with Web/Email/DNS hosting?
No. 'Domain Registration/Renews' and 'Web / Email / DNS Hosting' services are totally different separate services, and are billed at different times and at different intervals. Therefore your domain name will not usually be included on the same invoice as your Web/ Email / DNS hosting account. Domain names are usually renewed annually, although they can be renewed for up to 10 years.
To renew and pay for your domain name renewal, you must actively renew your domain via our Domain Manager, click on the 'renew' link, and then follow the instructions in the Domain Manager. Our Domain Manager can be accessed at www.domains.loungenetwork.co.nz.
You will usually receive numerous automated emails in the 2 months prior to your domain names expiration date, so please follow the instructions contained in these renewal emails very carefully.
Once we have received your payment for your domain renewal, your domain will then be renewed from the date that it was due to expire. A Tax Receipt will then be automatically generated by the Domain Manager , which you can retrieve by logging into the Domain Manager with your domain user details. You will need to send us your payment at least a few weeks before your domain names expiry date. If your domain does expire before we have received payment and renewed your domain name, it may be subject to an additional redemption fee to uncancel the domain before it can be renewed again.
Please note that domains names will not be automatically renewed at the end of their term, so you must follow the renewal process contained within the renewal emails. You can also check the date when your domain is due to expire by using our WHOIS tool, which can be accessed at www.loungenetwork.co.nz/whoisnz/.
Please note that it is the Clients / Domain Registrants sole responsibility to know when your domain is due to expire and to make sure that we have received your payment for your renewal at least a few weeks prior to your domains expiry date. You can check the date when your domain is due to expire by using our WHOIS tool, which can be accessed at www.loungenetwork.co.nz/whoisnz/. We also recommend that you keep a record of your domain names expiry date in your diary, just to be sure you don't miss renewing it.
You are able to renew your domain name at any time through our Domain Manager, so your don't need to wait for it to be close to expiring, to renew it.
How can I pay for my Domain name?
Domain Registration and Renews can be paid for by Direct Credit into our bank account or by cheque. Payment details are provided when you register your domain.
What are your payment details, and how can I make payment?
Our payment details can be found by clicking here.
Will I receive a tax invoice for my Domain Registration/Renew?
Yes, upon registering or renewing a Domain an invoice will be generated which will appear in the Invoices section of your Domain Manager. This is only generated when we have received and processed your payment. Invoices are not posted. If you require a permanent copy of your invoice, you will need to print it out by logging into the Domain Manager.
Your Domain prices are so good, are there any additional fees?
If you also have your website/email/dns hosted with us and are paying for these services, or are a current web design client, there are NO additional fees associated with your domain name, apart from the regular domain registration/renewal fee, plus you normal website hosting fees.
Can I host a Domain with Domain Manager but point it to another server?
Yes, the nameservers management allows you to point your Domain Names nameservers to a third party server. If however you need advanced DNS hosting services, this is an additional fee as you will need a hosting account. Please contact us if you would like this service setup for you.
Can I register a domain for multiple years?
Yes, you can register each of your Domains for up to a total of 10 years. Domains can't be registered for any longer than 10 years in advance.
Error when renewing my domain "We are not the listed registrar", why?
This is because you have typed in www. infront of your domain name. Please enter your domain without the www infront. eg. if your domain is yourdomain.co.nz, enter yourdomain.co.nz, and not www.yourdomain.co.nz. Also you should check that we are your domain registrar. We can move your domain across to our system if we aren't, all we need is your domain UDAI / AUTH code. Additional renewal fees may apply.
How do I cancel a Domain name?
You can either let the Domain name expire, or contact us to cancel the Domain.
How do I change my Domains A RECORD, CNAME, MX Settings?
If you are a current hosting client you are able to edit most of these settings in your hosting control panel, or via the Domain Managers 'Account Manager' at www.domains.loungenetwork.co.nz.
In order to have the ability to edit DNS these settings, you must already have a paid hosting account with us. Hosting services are not included with domain registration. Please contact us to setup a hosting account if you don't already have one.
Alternatively you can alter these DNS settings with your own hosting provider, but you will need to make sure your domains nameservers are pointing to their server first.
Please note that clients are responsible for editing their own DNS settings.
How do I change my Domains Namerservers?
If you are wanting to alter your domains nameservers to those of a third party server, you are able to alter them in our Domain Manager system at www.domains.loungenetwork.co.nz. This is a self service system. Instructions for doing this are below.
Log into the Domain Managers Account Manager section at www.domains.loungenetwork.co.nz.
Got to the domains section and then click on the domain to edit. Then modify your name servers. Please allow between 2-24 hours for these changes to take effect.
If you would like us to manually manage the change for you, we charge a $22.22+GST admin fee for this service.
How do I change the ownership of a Domain?
To change ownership of a domain, clients need to do this from inside the Domain Manager at at //www.domains.loungenetwork.co.nz/ and follow the instructions. The Domain Registrar will charge a fee for changing the domain registrant / owner, so you need to make sure you follow all of their instructions.
How do I find out when my domain name is due to expire?
You can find out your domains renewal date, as well as renew the domain, by logging into our Domain Manager Website at www.domains.loungenetwork.co.nz. Then just click the renew button, or login, and follow the instructions for making a domain renewal.
How do I get my .NZ domains UDAI / AUTH code?
A UDAI / AUTH code is used for either part of the process of authenticating access / ownership to a New Zealand .nz domain name, or for transferring a .nz domain name. UDAI is an acronym for Unique Domain Authorisation ID and only .NZ domains have them.
The domain Registrant can generate a new UDAI / AUTH code for their Domain Name at any time automatically, by logging into our Domain Manager Website at www.domains.loungenetwork.co.nz.
Once logged in, click on the 'Domains' Button, located in the 'My Account' menu at the top of the page.
Then click on the name of the domain name you want to generate the code for. This will open up a new page for that domain. Then click on the 'Hamburger' menu on the right hand side of the 'Domain Name header bar, as shown below. The Hamburger menu is circled in red.
This will open up a menu with a list of options. Click the 'Registry Key' link. This is highlighted in Yellow as shown in the screenshot below. This will then open up a window displaying the Registry Key / AUTH / UDAI Code for you to copy.
Please note that we cannot accept UDAI / AUTH Code requests from anybody apart from the Domain Registrant of the domain due to security. Therefore UDAI requests from third parties will be declined.
If your web designer or web host is requesting your UDAI/AUTH Code, please make sure that they have a domain control panel where you still have full control over your domain names management, similar to our own Domain Manager at www.domains.loungenetwork.co.nz. Without a full domain management control panel, you aren't able to instantly renew your domain name, generate your domains codes instantly, or automatically update your contact details associated with your domain. Also if your web designer ever goes out of business or you can't contact them directly, you may have trouble getting your AUTH Codes, which potentially could lead to downtime for your website, email and any other services connected to your domain. Ideally you should only transfer your domain to a proper domain provider that specialises in domain name management, and has the knowledge and support required. We have been providing Domain name services for over 20 years, so have a great deal of knowledge of the .NZ domain name space.
Also you don't need to transfer your domain to another provider, in order to have your web hosting with that new provider, as you are able to make all the required changes to your domains Nameservers and/or DNS hosting settings from inside your Domain Manager account.
How do I renew my domain name?
To renew your domain name, you will need to visit our Domain Manager Website at www.domains.loungenetwork.co.nz. Then just click the renew button, or login, and follow the instructions for making a domain renewal.
How do I setup URL Redirects and Email Forwarding?
If you are a Lounge Network Web Hosting client and already have an active web hosting account with us, you can setup Domain Redirections, and Email Forwarding for a domain name inside your hosting control panel. You need a paid hosting account to access this service.
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How do I transfer a Domain into your Domain Manager?
To transfer a domain name to our domain registry system, you can do this via our automated Domain Manager at www.domains.loungenetwork.co.nz.
If you don't already have a Domain Manager account, you can create one for free in the Domain Manager. If you have a web hosting account with us, but your domain is hosted elsewhere you will need to create a new domain manager account if you are wanting to transfer your domain across to us.
To transfer a .NZ name you will need your UDAI, which you can obtain from your current domain provider. A UDAI is your access code to manage your Domain. Your domain provider is required under NZ domain policies to provide you this in a timely manner, and they cannot withhold it from you or charge you for it. They must provide it to you for free.
To do a Domain Transfer in, you log into your Domain Manager account, and then go to our 'Transfer Domain' page and follow the transfer process. During this process you will be asked to enter the Domain and UDAI to transfer. If you want to keep your existing website DNS settings, you will need to make sure you select to 'retain existing DNS/nameserver settings' during the transfer process.
.NZ domain transfers are instant and free to transfer, and you don't need to renew your domain in order to transfer it. Also all of your existing domain registration credit, will be transferred with the domain. If you would like us to process the transfer for you, please email us your domain and UDAI code.
For all other domain extensions, you will first need ask your registrar to 'unlock' your domain name, and to provide you with your domains ‘Authorisation Code', before you commence the transfer, otherwise you will not be able to begin the transfer process. In order to transfer the domain, you must also renew your domain for a minimum of one year. This will top up your existing credit, and all remaining credit will be transferred across with the domain, provided your registrar has applied that credit. When you apply to transfer a Domain you may receive an email notification from the current domain provider asking you to authorise or decline the transfer. You will need to follow the instructions in that email, otherwise the transfer will fail. International domain transfers can take up to a few weeks to transfer. Therefore if you need to, please make any changes to your domain settings before you start the transfer process, as you may not be able to make any modifications whilst it is in the middle of the transfer process.
How do I transfer a Domain to another domain provider?
If you wish to transfer your domain name to another provider, please follow the instructions below. Please note that you DON'T NEED to change your domain to another provider if you simply wish to alter the hosting provider, as you can alter your domains DNS settings via our self service Domain Manager system at //domains.loungenetwork.co.nz/. Changing domain provider may also cost you more to renew your domain with another provider, and they also may have hidden additional costs.
- To transfer a .NZ domain to another provider, all you need is your UDAI code, which you can generate by logging into your Domain Manager at //www.domains.loungenetwork.co.nz/. The UDAI code is emailed to the Domain Registrant on record, and should be received within 48 hours of submitting the automated request in the Domain Manager. There is no charge for this service. Your new provider will help you complete the transfer from their end.
- To transfer an International Domain (eg. .COM, .NET, .BIZ etc) International Domain transfers are not automated like .NZ domains. Therefore the Domain Registrant (the domains owner) will need to request an authorisation code from us, as well as request the domain is unlocked, to begin the transfer process to another domain registrar. This information will be sent to the domain registrant only, and can NOT be sent to any other party. Once the domain registrant has got the authorisation code, they can then start the transfer process with the new registrar, and they will help you with this process. Don't try to transfer the domain with you new registrar until you have got these details otherwise the transfer may fail. The new domain registrar will usually require that you renew and pay for the domain renewal for a additional year at the time you transfer it, which covers the transfer costs from their end. A transfer fee of $25 + GST will apply for domain transfer from our end, which covers our time to process the domain transfer of international domain names from our end.
International domain switches can take a few weeks for the registry to process, as they are not automated like .NZ domain transfers. Please note that we have no control on the amount of time it takes, as that is dependant on the registrar. Some are quicker at transferring domains than others. We however recommend allowing a few weeks for the transfer to be fully processed and transferred.
Please note that domain registrants MUST commence the transfer with their new domain provider within 10 days of the domain being unlocked and receiving the authorisation code from our provider. If not, the domain may automatically relock, and you will need to recommence the transfer process again, and resubmit an unlock & authorisation code request from us.
We recommend that domain registrants begin the transfer at least 3 months before the domain is due to expire, otherwise the transfer may fail if it is too close to the expiry date. We recommend that if the domain is due to expire, that you renew it through us first, and then begin the transfer process at east 1 month after it has been renewed, otherwise your applied credit may not transfer with the domain. We don't provide any refunds should your new domain provider not transfer you existing credit with the domain name.
In order for a domain, to be transferred, the domain must also be at least 60-days old. Domains that are not yet 60-days old are not transferable between registrars. This is a registry restriction.
Please note that the domain transfer may fail for a number of reasons, including but not restricted to:
1. Evidence of fraud
2. UDRP action
3. Court order by a court of competent jurisdiction
4. Reasonable dispute over the identity of the Registered Name Holder or Administrative Contact,
5. No payment for previous registration period (including credit card charge-backs) if the domain name is past its expiration date or for previous or current registration periods if the domain name has not yet expired.
6. Express written objection to the transfer from the Transfer Contact. (e.g. - email, fax, paper document or other processes by which the Transfer Contact has expressly and voluntarily objected through opt-in means)
7. A domain name was in “lock status” at the time of transfer.
8. A domain name is in the first 60 days of an initial registration period.
9. A domain name is within 60 days (or a lesser period to be determined) after being transferred (apart from being transferred back to the original Registrar in cases where both Registrars so agree and/or where a decision in the dispute resolution process so directs)
How do I update my domain name's contact details?
When your contact details change, as a domain name registrant you are required to update your contact details with the domain registry. You can do this from within your Domain Manager control panel, which is an automated self service system. Instructions for changing your contact details are below.
STEP 1: Log into the Domain Manager at www.domains.loungenetwork.co.nz
STEP 2: First you will need to setup a new contact, with your new details. Under the 'My Account' section in the left hand menu, click the 'My Contacts' link.
STEP 3: Enter all your new/current details, and then press the save button.
STEP 4: Next you will need to apply that new contact to your domain name/s. Under the 'My Account' section in the left hand menu, click the 'My Domains' link.
STEP 5: Click the 'Settings' link next to the domain/s you want to modify the contact details of.
STEP 6: Scroll down to the 'Contacts' section, and select your new contact details from the 'drop down' selection menu. You will need to update all three fields
STEP 7: Click the 'Save Contacts' button. That's it, your contact details that are recorded with the domain registry should now have been changed.
IMPORTANT: If you also need to change the email address that is associated with your Domain Manager account, you will need to also change this. This isn't automatically changed when your registry details are updated. You can change your Domain Manager email address by going to the 'My Account' section in the left hand menu, and clicking on the 'My Account' link. You can also change your password and setup your secret question from within that section.
Clients on our Corporate or Business Class hosting plans can change their contact details from within their hosting control panel. Instructions for doing this can be found at knowledgebase.loungenetwork.co.nz/index.php?op=view&t=355
We can also manually make these contact changes for you with the domain registry, if you email us a request. However there is a $25+GST admin fee to cover our time for performing this service. Therefore we recommend that you do it from within the control panel, where there is no cost.
How long does it take for a Domain Name to be registered or transferred?
As soon as we receive payment for registering your domain name, it will be registered immediately. .NZ domain names can be transferred for free, though our Domain Manager at www.domains.loungenetwork.co.nz. A renewal fee maybe required to complete the transfer if your domain is due to expire soon.
Once a domain is registered or transferred, there is usually a small delay as the ´nameservers´ switch over to link the domain name with our hosting servers. The time varies depending on your domain name extension. If you are switching a .NZ address, processing will usually take between 6 to 48 hours. Switching a .COM address can take up to 72 hours.
Please note that this processing delay is beyond our control, and you will experience similar if not longer delays with whoever you register your domain name with.
Below are the .nz zone push times as of 31.03.03:
05:00
09:00
12:00
15:00
18:00
22:00
If you choose to register your domain name through Lounge Network, we will handle all the setup requirements, including changing the DNS settings.
How long will my registration take?
You can register a domain automatically via our Domain Manager, and the registration is then processed once payment is received. As soon as the registration processed and accepted, the Domain will be live. Domain registrations may take up to 48 hours to migrate over to a hosting server.
Click Here to register a domain...
How will I know my Domain is due for renewal?
Domain names become due for renewal at approximately 60 days before their scheduled expiry/cancellation date. When a domain becomes due, it will appear in your 'Domains Due' section of your Domain Manager control panel, so you know it is needing to be renewed. The billing contact on the domains whois record will also receive an email notification from the Domain Manager at approximately 60 days prior to the Domain Names scheduled expiry/cancellation date. Email notifications are then sent 30 days, and 15 days before expiration. If the Domain has still not been renewed, an email will be sent to all the contacts associated with the Domain approximately 2 days before the scheduled expiration date. This will be the final warning email before the domain expires and is cancelled by the Domain Registry.
Domain Name Registrants are also required to retain their own records of when their domain/s are due for renew. The expiry date can be checked at anytime from inside the Domain Manager. However as a courtesy, the Domain Registrars Domain Manager system does send out automated courtesy email reminders. When payment is made, the domain term is extended from the scheduled expiry date, and not from the date you make payment. So there is no reason to wait until the day prior to scheduled cancellation to make payment.
If you want to renew your domain name, you must make sure that we receive your payment well in advance of the domains scheduled expiry date, to provide us with enough time to renew it. We are not responsible for cheque payments that we don't receive (eg. lost or delayed in the mail), or Direct Credits that are delayed, or payments that don't have any reference to identify where they have come from them.
Please note that the domain expiry date is the date that the registry will CANCEL your domain name, so it is NOT a payment due date. If you no longer require the domain name, you can just ignore the domain renewal reminder until the domain expires. If you do still want to retain the domain, and wait until the expiry date to make payment, then if the domain does expire, you risk losing access to any website and email services that use this domain for a period of time until the domain has been paid for and is fully reactivated and reconnected. After a domain has expired, you also run the risk of having to pay a redemption / uncancellation fee to the registrar, before your domain can be uncanceled and renewed. We will let you know if an uncancellation fee is needed prior to attempting to renew a cancelled domain. Letting a domain expire and not renewing it in time, means that you risk losing that domain name to someone else, if it isn’t renewed before it is released back into the public pool. So we recommend renewing your domain well before the scheduled expiration date, if you do want to retain the domain. You can infact renew most domains for up to 10 years in advance through the Domain Manager. You also can renew a domain at anytime, you don’t need to wait to be notified.
Please note that it is your requirement as a Domain Registrant (the Domains Owner), to keep a record of when your annual domain renewal is due, and pay it before it expires. Lounge Network will endeavour to email you reminders when your domain name is up for renewal, however this is not a binding commitment. The emails that the Domain Manager system sends out are solely a courtesy. You can check the status and expiry date of your domain name at any time by logging into your Domain Manager account. Or by using our Domain Whois Page.
Please note that it is also the Domain Registrants requirement, to keep their contact details, including their email address up to date. Using an invalid email address will mean that the Domain Manager will not be able to email you domain renewal reminders, and therefore your domain name could expire without your knowledge. You can update your contact details in the Domain Manager at www.domains.loungenetwork.co.nz .
My Domain name has expired, how can I renew it?
You will usually know when your domain name has expired, as both your website and email will cease to work. Prior to your domains expiry, the domain registrant will usually be emailed with at least 3 reminder emails, which are sent to the email address on the domain name record in the 2 months prior to the domains schedules cancellation date. It is however the domain registrants sole responsibility to know when your domain is due to expire, and to arrange payment for it's renewal well in advance of it's scheduled expiry date. If you intend retaining your domain names, we recommend renewing them well before their expiry date, and for as long as possible. Most domains can now be registered for up to 10 years in advance. You can find your domains expiry date at anytime by entering it into the following website //www.loungenetwork.co.nz/whoisnz/
Below are methods and costs for renewing and uncancelling an expired domain name. Please note that domain names cannot be uncanceled from inside the automated Domain Manager system. The Domain Manager will only provide you with the cost of renewing the domain, and not the uncancellation or redemption fees associated with uncancelling an already expired domain name, which has to be processed manually by us. Please note that all uncancellation/redemption fees must be paid before we are able to attempt to uncancel a domain. After a domain is uncancelled, and then renewed, the renewal date will start be from the date the domain was cancelled, and not from the date it was renewed.
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EXPIRED .NZ DOMAINS
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.NZ domains can be uncancelled and renewed by sending us payment of $39.95 + GST for the 1 year domain renewal, plus a $22.95 + GST uncancellation/redemption fee. Domain renewal pricing can be found by visiting our Domain Manager website at the following link //www.domains.loungenetwork.co.nz, and clicking on the Pricing button.
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EXPIRED INTERNATIONAL DOMAINS
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For all International domain extensions (eg. .COM, .NET, .ORG etc), renewing an expired domain name will also require a Uncancellation/Redemption Fee to be paid, which must be paid before the domain can be renewed and uncancelled. The Uncancellation/Redemption Fee will range from approximately $USD 300 to 500. Redemption fees are charged by our registrar to us, when they process the uncancellation, so the fee is outside of our control. This fee, plus the normal 'domain renewal' fee is required to be paid by the domain registrant before the domain is renewed and released back to the registrant. Our normal domain renewal pricing can be found by visiting our Domain Manager website at the following link //www.domains.loungenetwork.co.nz, and clicking on the Pricing button. The uncancellation/redemption fee may vary depending on the registrar and the $US exchange rate. We will therefore provide you with a quote for the uncancellation separately, so you can decide if you want to proceed with the uncancellation. Should the domain not be renewed, approximately 30-90 days after the domains expiry date, the domain is released for open registration again, where anyone is free to register it.
Please note that we may not be able to uncancel a cancelled global domain name, and the fee will be refunded if the uncancellation is unsuccessful, less an administration fee of $NZ50 + GST.
Please note that there are companies around the world that will automatically purchase recently released domain names, with the intention of then onselling it for a large fee, or using the domain on a parking page to display and generate advertising revenue. Therefore waiting for your domain to be released back to the public so you can register it again is not a good idea, as you are likely to lose the domain forever, or pay thousands of dollars to get it back.
Please contact us at the following link, to enquire about getting your International domain uncanceled www.contact.loungenetwork.co.nz/
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PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXPIRED DOMAIN PAYMENTS:
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DIRECT CREDIT:
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Direct Credit payments can be made by Internet Banking, Telephone Banking or via your local bank branch. To pay by direct credit, please deposit to the following bank account:
Account Name: Design Lounge Ltd.
Account Number: 06 0501 0900613 00
Bank: ANZ
Ref: Use your domain name.
If you are putting through a Direct Credit, please let us know by return email when you have paid, so we can identify your payment and process it ASAP. If you don’t let us know, and we can’t match payment with your domain name, the amount may not be able to be matched to your domain name until you inform us.
Once a domain is uncancelled and renewed, it can take between 6-48 hrs for the domain to switch back over to the server and begin working again. Please note that this delay is beyond our control.
We recommend that Domain Names are renewed well before the expiry date to avoid interruption of service or penalty fees. It is the domain registrants sole responsibility to know when their domain is due to expire, and to renew and pay it's renewal fees well before its expiry date.
Please note that when an International Domain is renewed after having previously expired, it will not be able to be transferred to another registrar for approximately 2 months. All domains will be renewed from the date that they expired, and not from the date that they were uncancelled.
What happens if I don't renew my .NZ name?
For .nz Domains your Domain will be placed on hold for 90 days. During this time you will not be able to use the Domain, but you will be able to renew it. Once the 90 day period is over the name will be made available again for public registration.
What happens to a Domain once it's cancelled by the registry?
After cancellation or expiry, .NZ Domains are placed on hold for 90 days, in 'pending release' mode. At this stage they are inactive. During this time you will not be able to use the Domain, but you will be able to renew it. Once the 90 day period is over the name will be made available again for public registration.
After cancellation of a global Domain, its status is changed to "Pending Release" which means the Domain is on hold for 30-90 days until it is released back into the Domain pool for others to register.
What if I don´t want my domain anymore?
If you plan to stop using your domain name, you will need to contact us to cancel your domain name. If you don´t contact us, you may get billed for an additional year , and you will continue to be billed for any add-on services for your domain. .
Please visit our Domain Manager Website at www.domains.loungenetwork.co.nz for more information.
If you also have website hosting you will also need to contact us to cancel that separately if you also don´t require it anymore, as domain names and website hosting are se per ate services, and you will continue to be charged for your hosting account.
What if I make a spelling mistake when registering a Domain?
If you make a mistake with a .NZ (.NZ = New Zealand extension) name you can contact us within 5 days to cancel the name at no charge. All other extensions such as .com will be subject to standard charging. Be careful!
Where can I view your Domain Registration Terms Of Service?
You can view them by visiting the following link //www.web.loungenetwork.co.nz/conditions/documents.htm
Why doesn't my UDAI / AUTH Code work?
UDAIs / AUTH Codes expire after about 30 days after being generated. UDAIs will also become invalid whenever a modification is made to your domain name or settings. Such changes may include domain renewal, updating of contact details, or modifying the domains technical settings.
Due to this, you should generate a new UDAI immediately before you need to use it, via your Domain Manager account. Using an UDAI that was generated prior to any domain modification will probably be invalid, and will require you to generate a new one.
If your domains UDAI is no longer valid, you can generate a new one at any time inside your domain manager, by logging into your Domain Manager account, and navigating to the domains section. Our domain manager can be found at www.domains.loungenetwork.co.nz/
Why have I received an email containing my UDAI / AUTH Code?
Whenever your domain name is modified with the NZ registry, a new UDAI code will usually be generated. This includes updating things such as your contact details and email address associated with the domain at the NZ registry. This also applies if your domain name is renewed.
You may receive multiple UDAI codes depending on the changes that have been made to your domain. The most recent UDAI code you receive will be the one that is valid.