The Real Estate Authority | Te Mana Papawhenua (REA) seeks expressions of interest for appointees to the Complaints Assessment Committee (CAC) panel.

REA is seeking CAC Panel Members who can:

• Make high quality complaint decisions that help increase the standards of conduct for New Zealand’s licensed real estate professionals.
• Bring knowledge, experience and diverse perspectives in law, real estate and consumer affairs to the real estate complaints process
• Promote and protect the interests of consumers engaged in real estate transactions
• Support high standards of conduct in the real estate sector

Real Estate Authority – Te Mana Papawhenua

The Real Estate Authority (REA) is the independent government agency that regulates the New Zealand Real Estate profession. Our purpose is to promote and protect the interests of consumers and promote public confidence in the performance of real estate agency work.

REA is a high performing respected conduct regulator with a critical role in the real estate sector. We license real estate agents, oversee the code of conduct, continuing professional development and the complaints and discipline process. We are a proactive, evidence-led regulator committed to supporting high standards of conduct in the profession and protecting consumer interests. We strive to understand and serve the needs of New Zealand’s diverse communities in all of our work.

The role

The CAC panel consists of lawyers, consumer representatives, and experienced real estate professionals. CAC panel members make decisions on the conduct of real estate professionals. 

The functions of the CAC are to:

• Inquire into and investigate complaints about the conduct of real estate agents.
• On its own initiative, inquire into and investigate allegations about any licensee.
• Make final determinations in relation to complaints, inquiries or investigations.
• Lay charges before the Disciplinary Tribunal.
• In appropriate cases, refer the complaint to another agency.
• Inform the complainant and the person complained about of its decision, reasons for the decision, and appeal rights.
• Publish its decisions.

Panel members are appointed for a period of up to 5 years. It is expected that there will be an average of 30 - 60 hours work per month subject to complaint case volumes and the role that is held.

About you

You’ll need to have at least 7 years’ legal experience. Along with personal attributes and knowledge and experience, suitability includes the ability to commit the requisite time and capacity to effectively carry out the role. 

All panel members will be able to demonstrate:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Sound judgement and ability to work in a team to tight timeframes
• Effective IT capability and experience managing volumes of files, case management systems
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Working as a team player
• Proven ability to assess facts and identify issues
• Knowledge and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Evidence with regard to diverse perspectives, ensuring fair treatment of all people
• Complaint determination or dispute resolution experience (desired)

Lawyers will also have the following skills and experience:

• At least 7 years' legal experience
• Must hold a New Zealand practicing certificate
• Decision writing experience
• Experience in real estate or property law knowledge (desired).

Remuneration for panel members is set in accordance with the Cabinet Office Fees Framework and is currently between $56 and $92 per hour depending on the position held (Chair, Deputy Chair or Member)

We are currently seeking expressions of interest for lawyers. 

Expression of interest

Please visit https://www.rea.govt.nz/about-rea/work-for-us/ for a copy of the job description and Expression of Interest form.

Apply by sending your CV, covering letter and expression of interest form to recruitment@rea.govt.nz.

Applications close at 5.00pm on Wednesday 11 February.

For any support with the application process, please contact recruitment@rea.govt.nz.

Questions

For more information about the roles, please contact Sue Johnston, Investigation and CAC Manager at Sue.Johnston@rea.govt.nz.