District Licensing Committee
Frequently Asked Questions
1.
What are District Licensing Committees?
The District Licensing Commit ee (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 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
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 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, skil and experience relating to matters
that are likely to come before the commit ee.
5.
What are the eligibility requirements?
DLC chairs and members are appointed based on individual qualifications, competencies
and skil 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.
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6.
What is the recruitment process?
Auckland Council will call for applications from mid-November 2022 which will be open for
approximately two weeks. Applications must be submit ed via council’s
website.
A selection panel wil interview shortlisted applicants during February 2023. DLC chairs
and members will be appointed by a council committee with the role commencing on 1
July 2023.
7.
What is the term of the contract?
The DLC contract term will be 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026.
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 5-15 hours a month.
Chairs and members are expected to attend the DLC workshops 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 submit ed 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 Of icer 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 Commit ee (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.
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