What Is .govt

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Last updated: April 11, 2026

Quick Answer: .govt (specifically .govt.nz) is New Zealand's reserved top-level domain extension exclusively for government agencies and departments. It is managed by the Department of Internal Affairs and requires moderation approval, with applications typically processed within 15 working days. .govt domains signal authenticity and trustworthiness to the public, distinguishing legitimate government websites from unofficial sources.

Key Facts

Established in New Zealand to create a distinct online space for government agencies and services
Managed exclusively by the Department of Internal Affairs through the government DNS Management Portal
All applications require moderation approval; automatic registration is not permitted
Applications are typically processed within 1-2 days for acknowledgment and up to 15 working days for approval
Registered .govt domains cannot be transferred to commercial registrars or traded between agencies without moderator approval

Overview

.govt refers to the .govt.nz top-level domain extension, New Zealand's reserved internet naming space exclusively for government entities. This moderated domain extension was created to establish a clear, trustworthy online identity for all public sector organizations, from national ministries to local authorities.

Unlike generic domains such as .com or .org that anyone can register, .govt.nz is restricted and carefully managed. Every domain registration requires verification and approval from the Department of Internal Affairs, ensuring that only legitimate government agencies can use this prestigious extension. This exclusivity makes .govt.nz one of the most trusted and recognizable domain extensions in New Zealand's digital ecosystem.

How It Works

The .govt.nz namespace operates through a structured application and management process overseen by the government DNS Management Portal:

Eligibility: Only ministries, departments, most crown entities, and local authorities can register. State-owned enterprises and council-controlled trading organizations are not eligible for .govt.nz domains.
Application Process: Agencies submit applications online through the self-service DNS portal at dns.digital.govt.nz. Applications must be submitted by an authorized Agency User (AU) or Agency Super User (ASU) with proper credentials.
Moderation Review: Each application undergoes mandatory moderation to verify the applying organization's eligibility and the appropriateness of the requested domain name. This process is not automatic and can take up to 15 working days from submission.
Approval Timeline: Applications are typically acknowledged within 1-2 working days, though final approval may take longer depending on the complexity and any required clarifications from the applicant.
Management and Restrictions: Once registered, .govt.nz domains are centrally managed and cannot be transferred to commercial registrars. Agencies may not trade, sell, or transfer domains to other agencies without explicit approval from the domain moderator.

Key Comparisons

Aspect	.govt.nz (New Zealand)	.com or .org (Generic)	.gov (United States)
Registration Eligibility	Government agencies only	Anyone worldwide	U.S. government agencies only
Moderation Required	Yes, mandatory review	No, automatic registration	Yes, strict verification
Transfer Restrictions	Cannot transfer to commercial registrars	Fully transferable	Limited transfers, restricted to government entities
Registration Cost	Free for eligible agencies	Annual fee required	Free for eligible federal agencies
Trust Signal	High - government-only domain	Variable - used by any organization	High - U.S. government-only domain

Why It Matters

Public Trust: Visitors to a .govt.nz website immediately recognize it as an official government service, eliminating confusion about legitimacy and protecting citizens from phishing websites or imposter domains.
Security and Accountability: The moderated registration process ensures that only verified government organizations can use the domain extension, creating accountability and reducing cybersecurity risks associated with impersonation.
Digital Government Standards: New Zealand's digital government strategy recommends that all public sector websites transition to .govt.nz domains as a best practice for modernizing government online services.
Standardization Across Agencies: Using .govt.nz creates a unified government brand online, making it easier for citizens to find authentic government services and building confidence in e-government initiatives.

The .govt.nz domain extension plays a crucial role in New Zealand's digital government infrastructure by providing a secure, trustworthy, and instantly recognizable online identity for all government entities. By maintaining strict eligibility requirements and mandatory moderation, the Department of Internal Affairs ensures that .govt.nz remains one of the most trusted domain extensions available, protecting both government organizations and New Zealand citizens in the digital space.