InternetNZ is implementing a dispute resolution service for .nz domain names. The New Zealand system is to be based on the Nominet UK system which has been in place for a number of years and is very successful. The dispute resolution service (DRS) provides an alternative to Court action, giving parties another mechanism to resolve disputes which arise.

Public comment on the draft policy consultation closed at midday on Thursday 5 January 2006.

The DRS is expected to operate in a three-tiered manner, with the first tier being informal mediation, the second tier being expert adjudication and the third being an appeal process.

Implementation of the DRS will involve the appointment of mediators and experts. Applications have been sought for ten mediators and eight experts.

Further information is available:

EXPERTS
The Advertisement for the Experts
Further information for Experts is at http://dnc.org.nz/story/30235-29-1.html

MEDIATORS
The Advertisement for the Mediators
Further information for Mediators is at http://dnc.org.nz/story/30234-29-1.html

Applications for all of these positions closed at 5pm on Friday 17 February 2006.