Work for us

Mō te tūnga - About the role

Reporting to the Legal Services Manager, you will be responsible for the provision of high quality and timely legal and regulatory advice and managing litigation files in relation to the licensing and disciplinary process contained in the Real Estates Agents Act 2008 and its associated Regulations and Codes. This role may include working with external counsel on litigation files before the Disciplinary Tribunal or Courts and appearances on behalf of REA when appropriate. Support from other members of the team will be readily available to you. 

You will also undertake work in relation to:

• Research and opinions
• Assisting staff responsible for managing the licensing and other activities of REA
• Ensuring that the policies and practices underpinning REA’s activities meet the highest possible standards, are rigorous, fair, and able to stand up to in-depth professional and judicial scrutiny 
• Legal advice for the guidance and direction of Complaint Assessment Committees and REA teams
•  Building strong and effective relationships across REA and with external stakeholders
• Providing mentoring to colleagues in the legal team 
  
  

Mōu - About you

You will have at least 5 years’ PQE, with experience managing litigation and/or appearing before Tribunals or Court either within private practice or an in-house environment. As well as being able to hold a NZ practising certificate, you will also have some or all of the following:

•     A strong understanding of regulatory regimes and the machinery of government
• Knowledge of the principles of property and public law
• Excellent communication and a collaborative working style
• Evidence a regard for diverse perspectives, ensuring the fair treatment of all people
• Proven ability to provide coaching or mentoring to team members

Tono mai - Apply here

If this sounds like an opportunity you would like to pursue, please send your CV, Cover Letter and a completed application form [DOCX, 119 KB] to recruitment@rea.govt.nz.

The job description can be found here [PDF, 98 KB]

Please let us know if you have any specific access needs to allow you to participate in our recruitment process.

Please note, you must have a legal right to work in New Zealand. Successful appointment is conditional upon police vetting and qualification checks.

Application have now closed

• Join an organisation committed to supporting high standards of conduct in the real estate sector
• Be part of a frontline team managing and assessing and resolving complaints
• Seeking a client focused professional with proven experience in regulatory complaint management, communication,
• conversation management, risk identification, and diverse perspectives.

The Role 

The Complaint Facilitator is responsible for the effective and efficient handling of formal complaints and industry reports regarding possible breaches of the Real Estate Agents Act, Regulations, and Rules. This includes helping to assess the appropriate regulatory response to matters, making recommendations for complaint closure under Registrar decisions, referring cases to a Complaints Assessment Committee (CAC) or resolving complaints, where appropriate.

This role makes up a part of the Complaints Assessment, Resolution and Referral team.

About you

You will have proven experience in conflict, complaint resolution, case management, dealing with challenging behaviour, conversation and information management and you will be looking for your next role in a supportive and collaborative organisation.

You'll have

• At least one years’ work experience in conflict and/or complaint resolution/case management processes and are used to hitting the ground running.
• A high level of knowledge and experience in a legal, regulatory compliance and/or complaint management environments. 
• Experience in legislative interpretation, knowledge of the Real Estate Agents Act and its related Regulations, Rules, and Code of Conduct (or the ability to gain such knowledge quickly).
• Ability to work with people from across New Zealand’s diverse communities
• A law degree and/or a legal background will also be an advantage for this role. 

We encourage you to apply even if you feel you don’t meet all of the selection criteria so we can consider your suitability for the role or other suitable opportunities at REA.

Benefits

The REA team is welcoming, super friendly, collaborative, and committed to making a difference for New Zealand.  You can expect rewarding and complex work in an exciting sector that is critical to New Zealand. A great central Wellington CBD location, commitment to staff professional development and flexible working are amongst the many benefits of joining the REA team!

Please let us know if you have any specific access needs to allow you to participate in our recruitment process.

To Apply: 

Please direct any queries and send your CV, Cover Letter, and a completed application form to maria.lyon@nicherecruitment.co.nz

The job description can be found here [PDF, 733 KB]and application form can be found here.   [DOCX, 118 KB]

If you’re looking for a role where you can make a difference and build your expertise in complaint resolution, we’d love to hear from you!  We will be moving quickly on this role, so please get your application in as soon as possible.

To apply or to have a chat about this opportunity, please contact Maria Lyons at Niche Recruitment on 021 403 855 or email maria.lyons@nicherecruitment.co.nz 

Please note, you must have a confirmed legal right to work in New Zealand. Successful appointment is conditional upon police vetting and qualification checks.

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

The role

The CAC panel consists of lawyers, consumer representatives, and experienced real estate professionals. CAC panel members make decisions on complaints of misconduct against 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, and prosecute, 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 have knowledge of law, real estate or consumer affairs. 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)
• The skills and experience in one of the categories listed below (Lawyer, Consumer Representative or Real Estate Professional.

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).

Consumer representatives will also have the following skills and experience:

• Knowledge and experience of consumer affairs
• Knowledge of real estate, community advocate groups, or other public service experience with committees. 
• Decision writing experience
• Experience in Investigations, negotiation, conciliation or mediation are also desirable. 

Real Estate Professionals will also have the following:

• At least 10 years working in the real estate industry
• Experience supervising real estate licensees
• Current or recent real estate license 
• No disciplinary history the REA

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 all types of panel members and are actively looking to appoint lawyers.  We will be in touch with Real Estate Professionals and consumer representatives when vacancies arise.

Expression of interest

Click here for the job description [DOCX, 21 KB]and expression of interest form. [DOCX, 113 KB]

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

Applications close at 5.00pm on 6 October 2025.

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.