Who's involved in alcohol licensing

Recruitment

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for Chairperson/s, and/or Commissioners, and Members for the Queenstown Lakes District Licensing Committee (DLC).

The DLC are responsible for determining all alcohol licensing applications in the Queenstown Lakes District, including applications for licences to sell or supply alcohol, and manager’s certificates within the framework of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (the Act) and associated Regulations.

About You

We are looking for candidates who have good standing in the community and can demonstrate the following:

• Proven experience in chairing or participating in complex formal hearings in legal or tribunal panel settings in a calm, fair, and professional manner

• Knowledge and understanding of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 and Regulations

• Proficient analytical reasoning skills, understand legislation and the application of case law

• The ability to provide leadership and ensure effective and lawful hearing processes

• Highly developed listening and questioning skills

• Expertise in verbal and written communication, and facilitating groups

• Sound judgement, analytical and regulatory decision making and writing skills

• Independence, integrity, and an absence of conflicts of interest

• Reliable and willing to work with others to foster and maintain good working relationships

• A working understanding of licensing or regulatory processes

• Proven leadership and an active interest in your community

• An understanding of alcohol-related harm and how it affects the Queenstown Lakes communities

The position descriptions can be found below.

Who Is Ineligible

Candidates must not currently be involved with the alcohol industry to the extent that there would be an appearance of bias. The role involves consideration of alcohol applications plus conducting public hearings and other functions as required. This is an inquisitorial role and as such decisions must be legally robust and not subject to influence from what may be deemed popular or unpopular in sections of the community.

How Do I register My Interest?

Applicants should submit expressions of interest together with a registration of interest letter indicating the role/s you are applying for and why you would like to be considered, along with a copy of your resume.

If expressing interest in appointment as a DLC Chairperson/s or Commissioner/s, applicants should include three examples of their written decisions with their regis?tration. 

Expressions of interest must be received before 5.00pm, Sunday 17 May 2026. Please direct these to:

ros.march@qldc.govt.nz

If you are keen to find out more about this key role on behalf of the Queenstown Lakes District, please find a copy of the “Selecting and Appointing DLCs” guidance which contains an example of the key competencies which may be considered for appointing our DLC members, at the link here.

Please be aware there will be a long appointment process for these roles due to a requirement of reporting to Council and Council appointments needing to be made. Successful candidates will be contracted to QLDC and are not employees of QLDC. Successful candidates may also be subject to undergoing criminal record checks prior to commencing their appointments.