18 December 2025
Official information request 8140018012
(Please quote this in any correspondence)
John Luke
By email
: [FYI request #33088 email]
Tēnā koe John
Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA)
District Licensing Committees
Thank you for your official information request which we received on 1 December. The five
parts of your request and our responses are set out below -
May I ask how you called for public nomination and on what platform you have
call for public nominations e.g. govt.jobs website.
This is a recruitment process as opposed to people being nominated. The role was
advertised through the following channels:
• Auckland Council careers page
• Mahi.co.nz
•
https://aotearoajobs.co.nz/
• NZ Law Society
• Seek
• Maori Law Society
• Email direct to those who have enquired about the role since the last
recruitment round
• Through groups such as
o Nga Matarae, council’s internal Maori department
o Local Board Engagement Advisors
o Council’s People’s Panel
o Council’s Advisory Panels
o Council’s Community Partner Newsletter
A copy of your ad and how many vacancy you have for this round
The advert is attached along with the FAQ’s that provides you with more information
including the number of roles.
Private Bag 92300, Auckland 1142 |
aucklandcouncil.govt.nz |
Ph 09 301 0101
Also, how many applications you have received from the public and how many
you have received from other nominating agencies such as TPK or Ministry of
women etc for your role
As this is a contested recruitment process that is still at the early stages. I’m not able to
provide the number of applicants at this stage because we do not yet hold this information.
There are no ‘nominating agencies’, this is a contestable recruitment process.
We are refusing this part of your request under s17(g) of the LGOIMA - because the
information requested is not held Auckland Council and we have no grounds for believing
that the information is held by another local authority or a department or Minister of the
Crown or organisation.
How many you have shortlisted and how many you have interviewed
As this is a contested recruitment process that is still at the early stages. I’m not able to
provide the number of shortlisted candidates as that has not happened yet. Nor has it been
decided yet how many interviews will be carried out.
We are refusing your request under s17(g) of the LGOIMA - because the information
requested is not held Auckland Council and we have no grounds for believing that the
information is held by another local authority or a department or Minister of the Crown or
organisation.
Also, can I request to view the appointment letter if there is one sent to the
previous appointee. I am happy for you to remove all the personal information.
This letter is attached. The names in the letter are public information. They are published
o
n our website. The decision on behalf of Auckland Council to respond to your request as above was made
by Julie McKee, Hearings Manager.
You have the right to complain to the Ombudsman if you believe we have not responded
appropriately to your request. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
If you have any questions, please contact on me on 09 301 0101 or at –
[email address]
Ngā mihi
Joanne Kearney
Senior Business Partner, Privacy & Official Information
Te Wheako ā-Kirihoko me ngā Ratonga Matihiko | Customer Experience & Digital
Services
Private Bag 92300, Auckland 1142 |
aucklandcouncil.govt.nz |
Ph 09 301 0101
District Licensing Committee – members and chairs
He angitūtanga: The opportunity
Auckland Council is seeking candidates for Chair and Member positions on the Auckland
District Licensing Committee for the next term, 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2029.
Released The District Licensing Committee (DLC) is responsible for determining all alcohol licences
and managers’ certificates in Auckland including new and renewal applications.
He kōrero mōu: About you
We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate some, or all, of the following:
• a working knowledge of hearings and how New Zealand legislation works
under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act
• knowledge of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012
• highly-developed listening and questioning skills
• understanding of alcohol-related harm and how it affects Auckland’s communities
• recognise and respect council’s commitments to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and an
understanding of Te Ao Māori
• expertise in verbal and written communication, and facilitating groups
• understanding of licensing or regulatory processes
• leadership and active interest in your community
Your application will clearly demonstrate how your ability to make decisions on alcohol
matters and experience of hearing processes will benefit council’s DLC.
On your application please indicate if you are applying to be a chair, a member, or both.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer
The DLC role is part-time and candidates need to be available for flexible working
hours. Work will be on an ‘as required’ basis at the remuneration rate set by the Minister of
Justice for a term that expires 30 June 2029.
Successful candidates will be contracted to Auckland Council and not employees of council.
Candidates must apply via the council website
www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/careers and will
need to provide a cover letter and a curriculum vitae. The position description can be found
here along with some FAQ’s.
For a confidential conversation, please contact the Hearings Manager at
[email address] or 0274 909 902.
Council is unable to appoint candidates if they either directly, or by virtue of their
relationship with another person, have such an involvement or appearance of involvement
with the alcohol industry that they could not perform their duties without actual or the
appearance of bias.
Preference will be given to candidates that reside within the Auckland region.
Applications close
Sunday 30 November 2025.
This is a position of trust and candidates must therefore be prepared to undergo a criminal
record check and police vetting prior to commencing employment. Appointment will be
subject to a satisfactory police check.
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 wil 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 wil preside over the hearings, ensuring all parties are given equal opportunity
to have their say and that the principles of natural justice wil be complied with. The chair
is responsible for dealing with any procedural matters that arise and for writing the
decision of the DLC. A Chair will sit alone to decide matters ‘on the papers’ for
unopposed applications.
To be considered for a DLC chair role, you wil need to demonstrate:
▪
Excellent listening and verbal communication skil s
▪
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 skil s.
3.
How many chair and member positions are available?
Auckland Council wil be recruiting 15-18 members, six or seven of whom wil 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, skil 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 wil be
given to applicants that reside within, or close to, the Auckland region.
Page
1 of
3
6.
What is the recruitment process?
Auckland Council wil call for applications from mid-November 2025 which wil be open for
approximately two weeks. Applications must be submitted via council’
s website.
A selection panel wil interview shortlisted applicants during February 2026. DLC chairs
and members wil be appointed by a council committee with the role commencing on 1
July 2026.
7.
What is the term of the contract?
The DLC contract term wil be 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029.
8.
How much time is a DLC member expected to commit to?
Work wil be on an ‘as required’ basis and DLC panels are selected depending on the
skil s 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 10-15 hours a month.
Chairs and members are expected to attend the DLC workshops which are 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 wil 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.
Page
2 of
3
13. Would I report to a council manager?
DLC chairs and members are not employees of council but are accountable to the
Regulatory and Safety Committee (or its equivalent) through the Hearings Manager.
14. What are council’s commitments to Te Tiriti o Waitangi?
The principles that guide us are:
•
We understand the importance 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
•
We’re able to explain and contribute to our department's Maori responsiveness plan
•
We contribute to Māori outcomes through our work
•
We educate ourselves and our people on
Whiria Te Muka Tangata / the Māori
Responsiveness Framework and how we can contribute to the goals of the
framework through our work
•
We provide opportunities for Māori to contribute to decision-making processes
•
We're comfortable pronouncing and using basic te reo Māori, and learn more about
tikanga Māori.
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 Hearings Manager at
[email address] or 0274 909 902.
Page
3 of
3
xxx April 2023
Released Name
Address
Address
address
under
Email:
Tēnā koe the
Congratulations and welcome to the Auckland District Licensing Committee (DLC) for the
2023-2026 term, commenc
Local ing 1 July 2023.
I have spoken with you to confirm your appointment and I am now pleased to introduce you
to your DLC colleagues from 1 July 2023:
Government
Katia Fraser
Chairperson member and Chief Commissioner
Debbie Burrows
Chairperson member
Gavin Campbell
Chairperson member
Hannah Cheeseman
Chairperson member
Marguerite Delbet
Chairperson member
Michael Goudie
Chairperson member
Official
Lisa Whyte
Chairperson member
FaAfuhia (Fa) Fia
Member
Richard Pamatatau
Member
Information
Nirupum (Nick) Ravaji
Member
John Robinson
Member
Viraj Sheth
Member
Tim Tahapehi
Member
Dr Wilson Wai Sang Young
Member
This letter provides you with some key information and documents to get you set up and
and
ready to go from 1 July 2023.
Meetings
The date for the DLC induction is
Wednesday 5 July, 9.30am-4.30pm, Auckland Town Hall.
I wil be sending you further information and pre-reading for this event closer to the time.
There are a number of guest speakers attending the induction including all three agencies
(Inspectorate, Police and Medical Of icer of Health), a representative from the Maori
Wardens and a community group. This wil provide you with an overview of these groups
priorities and challenges in the alcohol space which wil assist in your decision making.
Act
Council provides all the DLC documentation electronically through a system called Nexus.
This includes your hearing agenda’s. We do not provide hard copies of the agenda. Council
can provide a device for this purpose or you can use your own. I wil be in touch about this a
bit later. Training on the system wil be provided but I can assure you it is very simple to
use.
135 Albert Street | Private Bag 92300, Auckland 1142 |
aucklandcouncil.govt.nz |
Ph 09 301 0101\
The following documents are attached:
• GST and withholding tax worksheet (Simpson Grierson) – this guide is for the RMA
commissioners but is also relevant for DLC members
• Vendor setup instructions
Released • IR330c form
• Sample invoice
• Declaration of Interest form
Please:
under
1. Advise whether you intend to provide DLC services as an individual or through a
company by indicating on the attached GST and withholding tax worksheet whether GST
and withholding t
the ax applies to your situation and whether you wish to specify a rate other
than 33%. You are welcome to seek your own independent advice on this
Local
2. Confirm your contact details for DLC correspondence, including:
o the email address for all DLC correspondence
Government
o telephone number/s
o physical address
o postal address (if different from physical address).
3. Complete the vendor setup instructions and provide the required information and
documents. Part of the this includes providing a sample invoice. You are welcome to
use the template provided if you do not currently have an invoicing system
Official
4. A Ministry of Justice criminal conviction check has been requested. You may receive an
email from council’s People and Culture Team regarding this. Please note that
appointments to the DLC are subject to a satisfactory criminal check. If you have
questions about this process, please call Jess Leaming on 021 526 921
Information
Next steps:
• Please complete and return the Declaration of Interest form.
• We wil complete your contract documentation when we receive your contact details,
vendor set up documents and the Ministry of Justice criminal conviction check.
• Your contract wil be sent out to you in the couple of weeks. Please review it and
and call me
if you have questions.
• Please sign and date the first page and return the contract to me. When the contract has
Meetings
been countersigned by council, I wil provide you with a copy for your record.
• Once the contract has been returned, it wil be entered in to Ariba, which is the council
contract system. You wil likely receive email correspondence from Ariba. This is
necessary to enable a purchase order to be set up against your contract. You wil
require a purchase order number before you can be paid.
Act
If you have any questions about this process, please call me on 0274 909 902.
Nga mihi
Released Julie McKee
Kaiwhakahaere Whakawātanga - Hearings Manager
under
the Local
Government
Official
Information
and
Meetings
Act
Document Outline
