Expression of Interest - District Licensing Committee
Waikato District Council
Do you have great decision-making skills? Former alcohol licensing experience?
"Help the Waikato District Licensing Committee make fair and transparent alcohol licensing decisions, with an understanding of the cultural and ethnic make-up of our communities including Maaori aspirations, concerns and expectations.”
The Opportunity
The Waikato District Council is calling for applications from persons interested in considering and determining alcohol licensing decisions to be part of the Waikato District Licensing Committee (DLC).
Expressions of interest are invited from suitable persons for consideration for appointment as DLC list members and as a Commissioner/Chairperson.
The District Licensing Committee (DLC) consists of a commissioner and two other Committee Members drawn from a list of members appointed by Waikato District Council.
The DLC is responsible for determining alcohol licenses and manager’s certificates in the Waikato District which cannot be determined on the papers and require a hearing. DLCs are quasi-judicial committees of the council, with decisions appealable to the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority.
The District Licensing Committee (“DLC”) is an independent statutory body, as legislated in the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, responsible for determining alcohol licenses and manager’s certificates in the Waikato District which cannot be determined on the papers and therefore require a hearing.
You can read more about the committee here: District Licensing Committee | Raihana aa takiwaa komiti https://www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/your-council/council-committees-boards/council-committees/district-licensing-committee
About you
Council is keen to reflect the diverse community it serves, and encourages expressions of interest from those who can demonstrate the following:
- Knowledge of alcohol licensing and the legal framework around it.
- An understanding of the impact of alcohol-related harm on communities.
- An understanding of local Maaori communities and the cultural and ethnic make-up of local communities, including their aspirations, concerns and expectations about alcohol and alcohol-related harm.
- Experience applying legislative and regulatory frameworks.
- Knowledge of, and familiarity with, the conduct of public hearings.
- Sound judgement and strong decision-making skills.
- The highest standard of professional and personal integrity
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
You may be ineligible to apply if you are an existing employee or contractor at Waikato District Council or you have an interest and/or involvement in the alcohol industry e.g. work at an alcohol retail business or manufacturer.
This is not a full time committee member role. It will be on a casual, ‘as required’ basis.
Hearings may last from a few hours up to two or three days. In the Waikato District, approximately 10-15 hearings are held each year, with panel members selected from the DLC pool based on their availability, skills, and experience. DLC members, Commissioners and Chairpersons are paid an hourly rate and reimbursement for approved related expenses.
How to apply
If you are interested in being considered, you will need to apply via email DLC.Application@waidc.govt.nz. Please include a recent CV and/or cover letter outlining why you'd like to be considered.
From here, we will go through a shortlisting process, which may include a short phone call. If you are one of the preferred candidates, an interview will be conducted.
For any successful applicants, you will be required to complete a Ministry of Justice Criminal Conviction Check.
Applications close: Friday 8 May 2026, at 11.55pm.
