Think of the internet like a huge network of destinations (websites), and you’re planning a trip. Domain Name System (DNS) is like a travel agent for the Internet. You tell the travel agent where you want to go by name – they handle the exact address and booking details. DNS works the same way: you type a website name, and it finds the right digital address so your device knows where to go.
It’s a simple system, but one that plays a big role in your school’s online identity and digital security.
Why your school’s DNS matters
More and more digital tools, like email, learning platforms and authentication services, rely on your school’s domain name and DNS settings to prove who you are. But if your school doesn’t control its DNS, you may run into problems at the worst possible time.
Ask yourself: Do you know who owns your school’s domain? Can you access it if something goes wrong? If the answer is “I’m not sure,” now’s a good time to sort it out.
What’s at risk if you don’t act?
Lost access: If no one at the school actively manages your DNS or if it’s linked to a former IT provider or staff member, your school could lose access altogether. That’s a security risk, and a big headache if you want to change services or regain control.
Email outages: Without access to your DNS, your school’s email service could stop working, and recovery can be slow and difficult.
Complex recovery: If you can’t get the right release code from your former provider, you’ll need to go through a formal appeal with the Domain Name Commission, which can take a while.
Support that makes it simple
Luckily, if you run into difficulties, support is available to make all of this easier – and more secure. Thanks to our partnership with Liverton Security, who manage the trusted govt.nz domain space, schools can access:
Free help: Liverton Security can help register up to two existing <schoolname>.school.nz domain names at no cost.
Ongoing peace of mind: Schools also have the option to host their SchoolDNS service with Liverton Security at no additional cost and can delegate a separate login to their IT provider as a back-up – so you’re never locked out again.
Make the move to SchoolDNS
The SchoolDNS service, funded by the Ministry of Education for up to two existing domains, makes it easy for schools to register and manage your official <schoolname>.school.nz domain. Moving to this service strengthens your school’s security posture and gives you greater control over your digital identity.
It only takes three steps to set up, and with our partner’s support, you don’t need to be a tech expert to get it done.
What should you do next?
Talk to your IT support or IT provider about switching to SchoolDNS, and delegating access so that your IT support or IT provider can manage updates. And if you don’t have an IT provider, just contact Liverton Security – they provide full, hands-on support every step of the way to make the transition easy and stress-free.
Need help getting started? Get your questions answered here or get in touch with Liverton Security directly on [email protected]. You can also find out more detailed information about the transfer process here.