District Licensing Committee
Frequently Asked Questions
1.
What are District Licensing Committees?
The District Licensing Committee (DLC) is a quasi-judicial body that has the powers of a
commission of inquiry which makes decisions that can be appealed to the Alcohol and
Regulatory Licensing Authority. The DLC comprises a chairperson and two members and
is responsible for deciding all licence (including special licence) and all managers’
certificate applications, renewals and temporary authorities, regardless of whether these
are opposed or unopposed. DLCs will also consider and determine applications for
temporary licences and for the variation, suspension, or cancellation of special licences.
2.
What is the chair’s role?
DLC chairs will preside over the hearings, ensuring all parties are given equal opportunity
to have their say and that the principles of natural justice will be complied with. They will
also control hearing processes such as cross examination. The chair is responsible for
writing the decision of the DLC. A Chair may sit alone to decide matters ‘on the papers’
for unopposed applications.
To be considered for a DLC chair role, you will need to demonstrate:
▪
Excellent listening and verbal communication skills
▪
Knowledge of hearing procedure and process
▪
Ability to deal with difficult people and manage challenging situations
▪
A solid understanding of the relevant legislation
▪
Excellent written communication skills, including highly developed decision making
and decision writing skills.
3.
How many chair and member positions are available?
Auckland Council will be recruiting 12-15 members, five or six of whom will also act as
chairs.
4.
What qualifications do I need to be a DLC chair or member?
There are no formal qualifications required to be a DLC chair or member, however, you
must have good standing in the community, the highest standard of professional and
personal integrity and the necessary knowledge, skill and experience relating to matters
that are likely to come before the committee.
5.
What are the eligibility requirements?
DLC chairs and members are appointed based on individual qualifications, competencies
and skill sets.
Applicants must be a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident. Preference will be
given to applicants that reside within, or close to, the Auckland region.
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6.
What is the recruitment process?
Auckland Council will call for applications from mid-November 2019 which will be open for
approximately three weeks. Applications must be submitted via council’s
website.
A selection panel will interview shortlisted applicants during February 2020. DLC chairs
and members will be appointed by a council committee with the role commencing on 1
July 2020.
7.
What is the term of the contract?
The DLC contract term will be 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2023.
8.
How much time is a DLC member expected to commit to?
Work will be on an ‘as required’ basis and DLC panels are selected depending on the
skills and expertise required for each hearing/application. During the current term, chair
positions have required 75-100 hours a month and the average hours required by
members has been approximately 15 hours a month. Due to a recent change in
legislation, members hours are likely to be less in the next term.
Chairs and members are expected to attend the DLC forum which is held quarterly to
provide essential member updates.
9.
Do DLC chairs and members get paid?
Yes, the remuneration rate is set by the Minister of Justice and is currently $78 an hour for
a chair and $51 an hour for members.
DLC invoices are subject to withholding tax.
10. Why does the council website application form refer to ‘employee’ when this role is
as a contractor?
Applications for the DLC roles are being submitted through council’s recruitment page and
therefore, refers to successful candidates as being employees. To clarify, DLC chairs and
members will be contractors to council, not employees.
11. Can an elected member also be a DLC member?
Yes, an elected member can be a DLC member.
12. Do I have a conflict of interest?
You cannot be a DLC chair or member if you:
-
have a direct, or by virtue of your relationship with another person, such an
involvement or appearance of involvement with the alcohol industry that you could
not perform your duties without actual bias or the appearance of bias
-
are a constable, a Medical Officer of Health, an inspector, or an employee of the
Council.
Successful candidates may find they have a conflict of interest from time to time and these
are discussed with the Hearings team as they arise.
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13. Would I report to a council manager?
DLC chairs and members are not employees of council but are accountable to the
Regulatory Committee (or its equivalent) through the Principal Advisor Hearings.
14. What are council’s obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi?
Auckland Council is a Treaty partner.
We recognise and respect the council group's commitments to Te Tiriti o Waitangi / The
Treaty of Waitangi, which includes achieving better outcomes for Māori to lift Māori
economic, social and cultural wellbeing.
1.
We understand the importance of and help the council group to meet its
commitments to Māori in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland
•
We learn about Te Tiriti o Waitangi / The Treaty of Waitangi and the council
group's specific commitments to Māori responsiveness in Tāmaki Makaurau
/ Auckland
•
We're able to explain and contribute to our team's Māori responsiveness plan
•
We contribute to Māori outcomes through our work
•
We educate ourselves and our people on Whiria Te Muka Tangata / Māori
Responsiveness Framework and how we can contribute to the goals of the
framework through our work.
2.
We provide opportunities for Māori to contribute to decision-making processes
•
We establish and maintain processes for Māori to contribute to decision-
making
•
We support the development of Māori capacity to contribute to decision-
making
•
We engage early and provide the right information to Māori to support
informed decision-making.
3.
We're comfortable pronouncing and using basic te reo Māori, and learn more about
tikanga Māori
•
We are empowered to use Māori words and phrases in emails, meetings and
conversation
•
We understand and practice tikanga Maōri and values in our daily work.
15. What is Te Ao Māori?
The Māori world view (te ao Māori) acknowledges the interconnectedness and
interrelationship of all living & non-living things.
For further enquiries, please contact the Principal Advisor Hearings at
[email address] or 021 520 418.
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