What to do if the .co.nz you want is taken

The .co.nz ending has been around for a long time, and many short, obvious names were registered years ago. So if the one you want is gone, you are in good company.

Before you settle for something long and awkward, work through the options below. Most people find a good alternative within a few minutes, and sometimes the "taken" name is not as out of reach as it looks.

1. Check whether it is actually being used

Start by typing the domain into your browser and seeing what happens. You will usually find one of these:

• A real, active business website. Someone is using the name properly. Unless they are willing to sell, it is best to move on.
• A "parked" page with ads, a "this domain may be for sale" message, or a generic holding page. The owner may be open to an offer.
• Nothing at all, or an error. The domain may be registered but unused, perhaps by a business that has closed or by someone who registered it and forgot about it.

It is also worth checking whether the name has a working email address attached. A domain with no website can still be in active use for email, which matters if you are thinking of approaching the owner.

2. Look at the .nz version

This is often the best answer, and many people do not realise it is an option.

In New Zealand you can register a shorter second-level name, like yourbusiness.nz, as well as the traditional yourbusiness.co.nz. These are separate domains, so the .nz may still be available even when the .co.nz is taken.

A .nz can make a great primary address:

• it is shorter and quicker to type
• it is clearly a New Zealand address, just like .co.nz
• it looks modern and tidy on signage, vehicles and business cards

One thing to think about: if someone else is using the .co.nz version of your name, some customers may type that by habit. Make sure your branding, emails and printed material all show the .nz clearly, so people learn where to find you.

A .nz is $34.95 per year, the same as a .co.nz.

3. Consider other endings

If both the .co.nz and .nz are gone, there are other good endings to look at.

• .kiwi is a fun, distinctly New Zealand ending that suits businesses with a strong local personality. It is $58.00 per year.
• .com is the most recognised ending in the world and a sensible choice if you sell overseas. It is $29.95 per year.
• .net and .org are also available at $29.95 per year, though they suit some types of organisation better than others.

Do be careful, though. If another business is trading under the same name with a different ending, especially in the same industry, customers may get confused. A different ending is a good fix when the existing owner is unrelated to you, not when they are a direct competitor with the same name.

4. Make a small tweak to the name

Sometimes the simplest answer is to add a word. The trick is to add something that helps customers rather than something that makes the name harder to remember. Good options include:

• your town or region, for example smithbuildersnelson.co.nz instead of smithbuilders.co.nz
• what you do, for example jonesplumbing.co.nz instead of jones.co.nz
• a simple word like "nz", "group" or "studio" if it fits your brand

Try to avoid hyphens and numbers when you tweak a name. They are hard to say out loud and easy to get wrong. We cover this and other naming tips in things to consider before you buy a domain name.

A tweaked name can actually work better than the original. A domain that includes your location or service tells people exactly who you are before they even visit.

5. Contact the owner politely

If the domain looks unused or parked, you can try asking the current owner whether they would sell it.

Some tips if you go down this path:

• Be polite and brief. Explain who you are and that you are interested in the name. Many owners are happy to help, especially if they are no longer using it.
• Set a budget first. Decide what the name is genuinely worth to your business before you start talking money.
• Do not reveal too much. Saying it is the perfect name for your big new launch may push the price up.
• Never pay before the transfer is secure. Use a reputable process where the domain is moved into your name and control before or at the same time as payment.

A word of caution about brokers and scams

Be wary of unsolicited emails offering to "secure" a domain for you, or warning that someone else is about to register your name unless you act now. These are often scams or high-pressure sales tactics.

Also be careful with third parties who claim they can buy a domain on your behalf for an upfront fee. If you do use a broker, make sure they are reputable, understand exactly what you are paying for, and never send money to someone you cannot verify. If something feels off, it probably is. Our article on where to report scams in NZ has more on what to do if you think you have been targeted.

6. Watch for it to become available

Domains are rented, not owned forever. If the current owner stops renewing, the name may eventually be released and become available to register again.

This is worth keeping an eye on, especially if the domain looks abandoned. But there are no guarantees:

• the owner may renew at the last minute
• someone else may be watching the same name
• it can take a while for a lapsed domain to actually become available

So treat this as a long shot, not a plan. Choose a good alternative now, and if your first choice ever comes free, you can register it then and point it at your website.

7. If you have genuine legal rights to the name

There is one more option, but it is only for specific situations.

If you have genuine rights to a name, such as a registered trademark, and someone has registered the matching .nz or .co.nz domain in bad faith (for example to impersonate you, sell it back to you at an inflated price, or disrupt your business), there is a formal process. The Domain Name Commission, which oversees .nz domains, runs a dispute resolution service. You can find information about it at dnc.org.nz.

To be clear, this is not a way to get a domain just because you want it, or because your business name happens to match. If the current owner registered the name fairly and is using it legitimately, simply wanting it yourself is not grounds for a dispute. If you think you do have a genuine case, it is worth getting legal advice first.

Our suggested approach

If your .co.nz is taken, here is a sensible order to work through:

1. Check what the domain is being used for.
2. Search for the .nz version.
3. Look at a small tweak, such as adding your town or what you do.
4. Consider .com or .kiwi if they suit your business.
5. If the domain looks unused, politely ask the owner whether they would sell.
6. Keep an eye on it in case it ever comes free.

Whatever you choose, register your new domain in your business's name, keep your login details safe, and make sure renewals go to an email address you watch. We explain why that matters in why renewing your domain matters.

Search for your domain

You can check what is available and register it on our domains page. Per year, a .co.nz or .nz is $34.95, a .com is $29.95 and a .kiwi is $58.00.

If you are stuck, we are happy to brainstorm a few options with you. Contact us or call +64 3 541 9468 and talk to a real person here in New Zealand.