School DNS – domain name registration service
The Ministry is offering a free domain name system (DNS) registration and hosting service for schools and kura. The Ministry-funded service is called SchoolDNS and is offered through Liverton Security.
The domain name system (DNS) converts 9-digit (or longer) IP addresses into domain names which helps us to navigate to websites. Instead of typing in an IP address like 198.0.119.72 to visit a website, you can type a domain name address into your browser to easily access a website, for example: www.yourschool.school.nz. DNS is also used when sending emails. Essentially, domain names are used as an alias for an IP address.
To set this up, organisations pay for the address and redirecting service (from the alias to your IP address) each year. DNS registration and hosting is offered by various companies. In New Zealand, 95% of schools use domains under school.nz.
About the SchoolDNS service
The Ministry is offering to centralise the registration and renewal process of domain names for busy schools and kura. By covering the annual DNS registration and hosting costs – the Ministry aims to increase the level of security and control that schools have over their domain name(s).
Through this service instances where DNS registrations expire, are deleted, or are exposed to malicious activity should be reduced for schools and kura who opt-in. Liverton Security, who provide this service, register domains for New Zealand government agencies, including: govt.nz, health.nz and parliament.nz domains.
What’s included?
The SchoolDNS service offers schools and kura the following:
- Set up and running costs for up to two domain names. This includes any subdomains. Costs for any additional domain names, need to be covered by the school.
- Access to the DNS portal where schools can easily make account changes such as updating key people or contact details
- Reduced administration risks – for example if due to staff turnover, no-one at your school has knowledge about renewing or changing registration details.
- 24/7 support based in New Zealand
- Yearly registration renewal as a default. This ensures continuity of the domain and reduces the risk of losing access to the domain temporarily or permanently.
- A higher level of reliability and security that meets New Zealand government requirements.
Schools can choose to register and host their domain through this service or choose to get DNS hosting through another company. Schools and kura who opt-in to this Ministry-funded service will continue to own their domain name. You, or your nominated IT partner, can log into the portal to view, manage or update your domain records.
Access the SchoolDNS portal here(external link).
This service does not cover website hosting. Transferring domain registration and hosting to the Ministry should not affect your website hosting – which is typically hosted by a separate company.
| DNS Registration | DNS hosting | Website hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Provided by Liverton Security. |
Provided by Liverton Security. Note: This is optional – some website services may require the hosting integrated with their service. If your website doesn’t, it’s probably easier to manage them together via SchoolDNS portal. |
Separate – schools will need to get websites hosted by a web hosting company. |
Eligibility
This service is available to state and state-integrated schools.
Further information
For further information or any questions about the SchoolDNS service, please contact: digital.services@education.govt.nz
Opt-in for the SchoolDNS service
How to transfer your domain name registration
To opt-in to the service, schools and kura will need to transfer their schools’ DNS to the SchoolDNS service. Read more on How to join the SchoolDNS service
How to find details about your domain
To find out details on where your school’s domain is registered and hosted, and your school’s registered contacts for your domain, check the Domain Name Commission NZ website(external link)
Support for schools who have transferred their DNS
Support is available from Liverton Security:
Email: livedns@livertonsecurity.com
Phone: 0800 LDNS 999 (0800 536 7999)
For any significant issues, the team can be contacted 24/7.
After joining this service, schools will be emailed once a year to remind them to check their contact information and make updates where necessary.
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