Regulatory Hearings Panel - Independent Member

Tau ake rā te moana nei, e papaki kau ana ki te ākau tangata, kakenga waka ka mauru te tohu ki te arearenga o Mauao, he pou herenga mōu, he pou hononga mōu, kia herea ki te tika, kia herea ki te pono. Kia mau, kia ita, kia ū — haumi e, hui e, tāiki e!

Te Tūranga | About the Role

Tauranga City Council is seeking a suitably experienced and skilled governance and regulatory professional to serve as an Independent Member of the Regulatory Hearings Panel.

The Panel is a subordinate decision-making body of Council established under clauses 30 and 32 of Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002. It is responsible for conducting hearings and making quasi‑judicial decisions on a range of regulatory matters on behalf of the Council.

The Panel’s work includes hearing and determining matters the Council is legally empowered or required to resolve, such as:

• Dog control hearings
• Enforcement-related regulatory matters
• Hearings required under Council policies and bylaws (including Gambling Venues Policy appeals)

Matters not within the Panel’s scope include:

• Resource Management Act hearings
• Sale and supply of alcohol matters
• Matters the Council is precluded from delegating under the Local Government Act 2002 or any other Act

Ngā Pukenga | What You’ll Need to Succeed 

This role requires impartiality, strong analytical and decision‑making competence, and adherence to the principles of natural justice and administrative law. Members must ensure hearings are conducted in accordance with established protocols and statutory requirements.

We are seeking applicants who demonstrate the following:

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

• • Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in a local government context, or commitment to developing capability in this area

Governance and Regulatory Expertise

• • Proven experience in local government regulatory contexts and hearings processes
  • Strong understanding of the legislative framework underpinning Council’s regulatory functions
  • Experience reviewing and analysing evidence, asking relevant questions, and making defensible decisions
  • Ability to write clear, well‑reasoned decisions

Legal and Technical Knowledge

• • Broad legal knowledge relevant to regulatory decision-making and quasi‑judicial processes
  • Familiarity with statutory obligations including LGOIMA and the Public Records Act

Personal Attributes

• • High integrity; commitment to confidentiality and declaration of conflicts of interest
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to explain decision‑making clearly
  • Analytical, balanced judgement
  • Collaborative approach, upholding principles of transparency and natural justice

Tō Tātou Kaunihera | About Tauranga City Council 

Tauranga is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s fastest‑growing urban centres, home to approximately 161,200 residents. The Council manages significant community assets and provides essential services to a rapidly expanding population. The work of the Regulatory Hearings Panel plays an important role in ensuring fair, transparent, and lawful decisions affecting the city’s communities.

Commitment Requirements

• Term: Two and a half years from April 2026 to October 2028 (or as otherwise determined in appointment)
• Meeting frequency: As required, depending on the volume and nature of hearings
• Location: Preference for applicants based in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty or with ability to travel (at own cost) to meet role requirements 

Further Information

Applications close Monday 9th February 2026

All applications must be received through our careers site, follow the link to submit your application

For further information, please contact Sarah Holmes at Sarah.holmes@tauranga.govt.nz