• Openly accountable
• Community owned
• Democratically elected
•  Part of NZ;  at the heart of West Auckland

Licensing Trusts were introduced into New Zealand via the Licensing Trust Act (1949) .  Each Licensing Trust established also has its own individual Act.

The idea behind Licensing Trusts came from Scotland.  Scotland’s philosophy was that alcohol could be sold with care and responsibility, with the well-being of the community in mind, through a charitable organisation whose profits flowed back to the community.  This idea was embraced by New Zealand in the 1940s.

New Zealand Licensing Trusts such as Portage and Waitakere have authority, vested by the community, to retain influence over the sale of liquor in their area.  This means that only they can establish and own hotels, taverns and ‘off licences’.  (They do not control liquor licences in their areas.  These are provided by local authorities).

Portage and Waitakere Licensing Trusts are thus set up to operate commercial businesses involving the sale of liquor, licensed premises, accommodation, supply of food and refreshments and, nowadays, gaming machines.  The proceeds from these activities go directly back to communities. Earnings and grants and donations are transparent to the community.  They are published annually and available for inspection.

Grants and donations are usually to sports, arts, culture, amenities, education, health, community organisations and to meet community needs.

Through democracy and robust reporting to the public, Licensing Trusts are uniquely accountable to the people they serve.