Apply for a review of licensing decision
What is a review of a regulatory licensing decision?
Maritime NZ is committed to providing a robust regulatory licensing function to deliver and maintain entry and exit controls to the New Zealand maritime sector. This helps make sure those operating in the sector are certified and fit to operate, meet appropriate standards, and have the knowledge and experience needed to reduce harm.
A review is a process where a panel of experienced and independent Maritime NZ staff considers a previously made regulatory licensing decision. The panel reassesses the decision and makes a recommendation to the Director of Maritime NZ.
Because reviews can be complex, the process may take up to 6 weeks to complete.
A review does not affect any other rights you may have, such as rights of appeal under legislation
Criteria to apply
Your original decision must be based on Maritime NZ’s interpretation and application of a rule, regulation, or convention. In this guidance, we use the term “rule” to cover all of these.
Some rules can be interpreted and applied in more than one way. To apply for a review, the decision on your original application must have been based on an interpretation or application of a rule that could reasonably have been interpreted or applied differently, while still maintaining safety.
Applicant requirement
The original applicant, or that person’s authorised representative, can apply to Maritime NZ for a review if the criteria above are met.
If you are applying on someone’s behalf, you must complete and include an Authority to Act form with your application.
Time requirement
You must apply for a review within 3 months of the date on your decision letter.
Late applications may be considered in exceptional circumstances. If you submit a late application, you must explain:
- why you are applying late
- why you believe your application should still be accepted.
The Regulatory Licensing Review Panel may ask you for more information to decide whether to accept a late application.
You will need to provide:
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your contact details, including name, phone number, and email address
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if you are acting for another person, the original applicant’s contact details and a completed Authority to Act form
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information from the original application, including the reference number and decision date
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your reasons for asking for a review of the original decision
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what outcome you would like from the review and why you believe that outcome is appropriate
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any documents that support your request for a review. Keep these clear and concise. You can upload PDF, PNG, JPG, and GIF files
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a declaration that the information you provide is accurate and complete.
Maritime NZ may ask you for more information if there is not enough information to complete a review.
Maritime NZ may also decide, at its discretion, not to review a previous decision.
What happens after Maritime NZ has completed its review?
After the review is complete, the panel will:
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record the final decision and the reasons for it
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tell you the decision and the reasons for it.
Lessons learned from reviews are shared with relevant staff to support process improvement and to share outcomes.
More about the review process
The Regulatory Licensing Panel
Maritime NZ has established a Regulatory Licensing Review Panel to support delivery of the regulatory licensing function. The panel reviews decisions that meet the criteria and requirements set out above.
The panel is made up of senior leaders and experienced Maritime NZ staff. The panel makes recommendations to the Director of Maritime NZ, who has the authority to:
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confirm the previous decision
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rescind the previous decision
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make a new decision.
Panel Terms of Reference
The panel’s Terms of Reference set out how it performs its functions.