You can check who legally owns your .nz domain in about two minutes using a free public lookup — and every business owner should do it, because the registrant on record is the person who really controls your domain.
Why check
Your domain underpins your website and email. If a previous web provider registered it in their name, you may not actually control it — and you’d only find out at the worst time, like when you try to move providers. A quick check now removes the doubt.
How to do it
- Go to a .nz WHOIS / domain lookup (the .nz registry and most registrars provide one).
- Enter your domain, e.g. yourbusiness.co.nz.
- Look at the registrant details — this is the legal owner. Also note the registrar (the company managing it) and the expiry date.
Note: .nz allows individuals to hide some contact details for privacy, so you may not see a name. If you can’t tell, ask your provider in writing: “Is the domain registered in my business’s name, and can I access the account?”
What you want to see
- The registrant is your business (or you), not your web company.
- You know which registrar account it lives in and can log in.
- The expiry date is current and renewals aren’t about to lapse.
If something’s off
If the domain is in someone else’s name, or you can’t get a straight answer, that’s worth sorting before it becomes a problem. We can run the check for you and help you regain control if needed. Send us your domain for a no-obligation look.
FAQ
What’s the difference between registrant and registrar?
The registrant is the legal owner of the domain. The registrar is the company that manages the registration on the owner’s behalf. You want to be the registrant.
Why can’t I see the owner’s name?
.nz lets individuals withhold contact details for privacy. Business registrants are often visible, but if it’s hidden you may need to confirm ownership through your provider or the registrar.
How often should I check?
Check when you take on a new provider, and glance at the expiry date once a year so a renewal never slips.
