Application for Temporary Authority

A Temporary Authority authorises the holder to carry out the sale and supply (or delivery) of alcohol. If you've recently purchased a business which has a current alcohol licence, you can use this form to apply to continue selling or supplying alcohol for a maximum of three months.

An application is made under section 136 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

To apply for a Temporary Authority you must:

  • have purchased or leased the business with a current license; and 
  • lodge and have the application approved prior to settlement date.

Apply online

Step 1.Have your electronic documents ready

These include:

  • an electronic copy of the premise's existing licence;
  • electronic copies of Manager's Certificates for all managers;
  • an electronic copy of your Company Certificate (if applicable); 
  • an electronic copy of the Sale & Purchase agreement or Lease agreement (if applicable); and
  • an electronic copy of the letter of authorisation for the agent to act on your behalf (if applicable).

Step 2.Apply and pay online

Complete and submit this application form and pay the associated fee. Payment can be made at the time of applying by Credit / Debit Card or Account2Account, or after applying in person.

Please note: From 15 January 2026, a 2% convenience fee applies when paying by credit or debit card. Although we collect this fee with your payment, it is passed directly to our payment provider and we do not keep any of it.

Apply Online

Apply in person

Step 1.Download and complete the application form

Application for Temporary Authority (Print Version)(PDF, 237KB)

Step 2.Bring in your application form and relevant documents

These include:

  • an electronic copy of the premise's existing licence;
  • copies of Manager's Certificates for all managers;
  • a copy of your Company Certificate (if applicable); 
  • a copy of the Sale & Purchase agreement or Lease agreement (if applicable); and
  • a copy of the letter of authorisation for the agent to act on your behalf (if applicable).

You can pay by cash or EFTPOS at any Horowhenua District Council office.

Step 3.Visit your nearest Council Office

Pop into your nearest Council office:

  • Levin (Main Office), 126 Oxford Street, Levin, open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and on Wednesdays 9.30am to 5pm (except public holidays).
  • Foxton Service Centre, 92 Main Street, Foxton, open 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays).
  • Shannon Service Centre, Plimmer Terrace, Shannon, open 1pm to 5pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays).
 

Once your application has been received (and matched with your payment) it will be sent to the following agencies to enquire into and report on:

  • Council’s Alcohol Licensing Inspector
  • NZ Police (local branch).

Please note that the statutory timeframe allowed for the processing of applications is 20 working days.

Council’s Alcohol Licensing Inspector will be in contact with you to arrange an interview to assess your knowledge of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 and to determine if you are suitable to control a licensed premises. The inspector will take you through a number of scenarios covering:

  • The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012;
  • Minors;
  • Intoxication;
  • Host responsibility; and
  • Manager’s duties.

Your application and reports from the agencies involved will be passed on to the Horowhenua District Licensing Committee (DLC) to make a decision whether to grant the issue of a manager’s certificate. If there is no opposition to your application you will be notified that the manager’s certificate has been granted. If there are any objections or opposition to your application, you will be asked to attend a public hearing before the DLC.

Please note that the statutory timeframe allowed for the processing of applications is 20 working days.

Contact Us

Phone

(06) 366 0999

Email

enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz

Location

Horowhenua District Council
126 Oxford Street
Levin
5510
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