The Whakatāne District Licensing Agency has a role to play in the reduction of alcohol abuse through its responsibilities and obligations under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act.
Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act
Legislation reforming New Zealand's alcohol laws aim to improve New Zealand's drinking culture and reduce the harm caused by excessive drinking.
More information about the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 »
More information about the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Amendment Act 2026 »
Fees
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 includes regulation-making powers to enable the costs of the alcohol licensing system to be recovered through fees. Further information may be found within the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Regulations 2013.
Alcohol licensing agencies
The Whakatāne District Licensing Committee works closely with the Police and Toi Te Ora Public Health. While the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority has overall responsibility for liquor licensing, these three regulatory agencies are responsible for the day-to-day monitoring and management of liquor issues in the District.
More general information about alcohol licensing is available on Alcohol.org.nz. Information available on their site includes:
- The current law on alcohol licensing
- How to apply for a licence
- How to object to a liquor licence
- How licensing hearings work
- How licensing decisions are made.
For more specific information about alcohol licensing in the Whakatāne District or to submit an objection in writing, email district.licencingsecretary@whakatane.govt.nz or send us an online enquiry.
Meet with an alcohol licensing inspector
Our licensing inspectors are happy to meet with you to discuss your alcohol licence application or documents. They can also help with:
- what you need for your application
- the documents you need and how they should be presented
- how to calculate your application fee
- filling out forms correctly
You can contact us for help or advice at any point. If this is your first time applying for an alcohol licence, please meet with a licensing inspector before you start your application.
Please email liquorlicensing@whakatane govt.nz to make an appointment.