Distilled Spirits Aotearoa (NZ) Inc upcoming events

Your Guide to the 2026 New Zealand Spirits Awards (12 May 2026)

Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Join us for this essential webinar designed to help you prepare for the 2026 New Zealand Spirits Awards. Whether you’re entering for the first time or returning with new releases, this session will walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of this year’s opportunities. We’ll cover the full entry process, highlight the refreshed and newly reinstated categories, and outline key judging considerations to help you position your products effectively.

A special focus will be given to the logistics and commercial benefits for category winners, including how award‑winning products maybe placed in Liquorland stores nationwide - a valuable pathway for visibility, consumer reach, and brand growth.

The webinar is structured 50/50, with a concise presentation followed by dedicated Q&A time, giving you the chance to ask questions, clarify details, and gain practical insights directly from the Awards team.

DSA Town Hall (28 May 2026)

Thu, 28 May 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Join us for the DSA Town Hall Meeting - an open, collaborative forum where members can hear updates, share insights, and help shape the direction of our industry. This is your chance to stay informed on key initiatives, raise questions, and contribute to the conversations that matter most to the New Zealand distilling community. Whether you’re deeply involved or simply curious about what’s ahead, your voice is welcome and valued.

Friday Exchange - May (29 May 2026)

Thu, 28 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Join us for a relaxed online gathering - bring your morning tea with you! - designed to foster connection, spark ideas, and share perspectives across our community. Whether you're a long-time member or newly joined, this is your space to engage, listen, and contribute.

You will:-

Meet fellow members from across the sector in a welcoming, informal setting
Explore topics relevant to industry trends
Share insights or simply listen in - participation is encouraged but not required
Enjoy a safe space for open dialogue, with Chatham House Rules ensuring confidentiality and respect

Why Attend?

Stay connected with peers and sector developments
Contribute to shaping future initiatives and member priorities
Build relationships in a low-pressure, high-value environment

Distillery Compliance – What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Get It Right (23 Jun 2026)

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Distillery compliance isn’t just paperwork, it’s the foundation of a safe, legally sound, and future‑proof operation. In this practical, myth‑busting session, Adam Chapman will break down what distillery compliance actually involves, why every distillery needs a clear Hazardous Area Classification (HAC), and how to navigate the process without unnecessary cost or confusion.

What You’ll Learn

What “distillery compliance” really means - Understand the regulatory, safety, and engineering requirements that apply to distilleries in Aotearoa and Australia.
Why compliance matters for every distillery - Reduce risk, protect staff, avoid costly redesigns, and ensure your site meets WHS and electrical safety obligations.
What’s involved in creating a compliant Hazardous Area Classification (HAC) - Adam will outline the essential steps, documentation, and assessments required, and what is not required, so you can avoid over‑engineering and overspending.
How to approach compliance the smart way - Learn how to work efficiently with engineers, inspectors, and regulators, and how to prepare your site so the process is smoother, faster, and more affordable.

Drawing on 38 years of production experience and his specialist background in Workplace Health & Safety, Adam Chapman sits in the unique space between distillers and electrical engineers. Adams list of qualifications and accolades is impressive

Head Distiller & Distillery Designer – CAVU Distilling
WHSO, ICAM Lead Investigator, ISO 45001 OH&S Internal Auditor
IBD General Certificate in Distilling
WSET Diploma in Wine & Spirits + Certified Spirit Educator
Royal Rum Society Master Rummelier & Certified Spirit Judge

Adam’s goal is simple - to show you the path, the process, and the practical steps to becoming compliant and SAFE, without unnecessary cost or complexity.

Influencers, Promotions and Packaging: Alcohol Advertising Rules Explained (9 Jul 2026)

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:30:00 GMT

This practical webinar is designed for members of Distilled Spirits Aotearoa and will provide a clear, up-to-date overview of compliance obligations under the Alcohol Advertising and Promotion Code and the Advertising Standards Code. It will explain how the Codes apply across all advertising and promotion of alcohol, including digital and social media, influencer marketing, sponsorship, promotions, packaging, and low‑ and zero‑alcohol variants.

The session will focus on key principles such as social responsibility, targeting adult audiences, truthful presentation, and the portrayal of alcohol consumption and effects. Common compliance risk areas will be explored, including influencer content, giveaways and competitions, sponsorship claims, and the use of lifestyle imagery. Real complaint examples will be used to illustrate how the Codes are interpreted in practice and where advertisers most commonly go wrong.

The webinar will conclude with practical compliance tips and a checklist to help producers, marketers, and agencies minimise risk and confidently meet their responsibilities under New Zealand’s advertising self‑regulatory framework.

Presented by Hilary Souter, Chief Executive of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), who has over 30 years of experience supporting responsible advertising. She oversees ad standards, training, education, and supports the Complaints and Appeal Boards. She frequently delivers presentations on the importance of responsible advertising and the value of ad self-regulation.

Annual General Meeting (AGM) (13 Aug 2026)

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 02:00:00 GMT

We warmly invite all DSA members to attend the upcoming Annual General Meeting, where we will reflect on the year’s achievements and discuss plans for the future. Your participation is valued and helps shape the direction of our organisation.