21 October 2021
Our Ref: C65016
By email
: [email address]
Tēnā koe, John,
Official Information Act 1982 (OIA):
Thank you for your request made via email on 2 October 2025 in which you requested the
following:
Could you please confirm the number of vacancies you are seeking to fill, as well as how
many applications you have received to date? Additionally, I would appreciate it if you could
let me know how many candidates have been shortlisted and how many have been
interviewed so far. A copy of the ad and where you have advertised it.
Could you also provide the terms of appointment for your current CAC members, including
each of their start and end dates?
We have considered your request under the OIA.
Information being released
As at the date of this request, REA has one vacancy on the CAC Panel. We have received 18
expressions of interest forms and as at the date of this request we had not shortlisted any
candidates.
The copy of the advertisement we used is at Appendix 1. We placed our advert on the
following websites:
• Seek
• Govt Jobs
• Law Society
• GLN
• LinkedIn
• REA website
Below is the table of the REA current CAC Panel Members with their start and end dates, as of the 2
October 2025.
Name
Start date
Finish date
Belinda Moss
22/10/2020
21/10/2025
Denise Evans
22/10/2020
21/10/2025
Susanne Guhl
22/10/2020
21/10/2025
Judith Varcoe
23/10/2023
22/10/2028
Andrew Dickson
23/10/2023
22/10/2028
Pengbo Jiang
23/10/2023
22/10/2028
Echo Haronga
23/10/2023
22/10/2028
Arti Chand
23/10/2023
22/10/2028
Maree Gendall
23/10/2023
22/10/2028
Maree Newman
23/10/2023
22/10/2028
Katherine Cooper
23/10/2023
22/10/2028
Alan Lethbridge
14/01/2024
13/01/2029
Garry Chapman
1/12/2024
03/11/2029
Roger McEwan
1/12/2024
03/11/2029
Roslyn Coombes
1/12/2024
03/11/2029
Clive Saleman
1/12/2024
03/11/2029
Jennifer Russell
1/12/2024
03/11/2029
Nick Kearney
1/12/2024
03/11/2029
Belinda Tatham
28/07/2025
27/07/2030
Marie Hansen
8/09/2025
07/09/2030
At Appendix 2 is our current Terms of Appointment.
Next steps
You have the right to make a complaint, in respect of this response, to the Ombudsman.
Information about how to make a complaint is available a
t www.ombudsman.parliament.nz.
You may make the complaint online at that web address, by email at
[email address], or in writing to the following address:
The Ombudsman
PO Box 10 152
WELLINGTON 6143
Nāku iti noa, nā
Josh Doherty | Head of Regulatory Services
email [email address] |
mob 027 202
6010
Appendix 1
REA Complaints Assessment Committee (CAC) members
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 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 and expression of interest form.
Apply by sending your CV, covering letter and expression of interest form to
[email address]
Applications close at 5.00pm on 1 October 2025
For any support with the application process, please contact [email address]
Questions
For more information about the roles, please contact Sue Johnston, Investigation and
CAC Manager
at [email address].
link to page 5
Appendix 2
Schedule 1 – Terms of Appointment to CAC Panel
All appointments to the CAC Panel (from which CAC Members are drawn and appointed to
Complaints Assessment Committees (CACs)) are subject to the letter of offer and the
following terms:
Introduction
1.
CACs and the complaints and discipline function is an integral part of the real estate
regulatory system established under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 (Act).
Specifically, CACs are a critical part of providing “…accountability through a disciplinary
process that is independent, transparent, and effective.” The specific functions of
CAC’s are set out in s78 of the Act.
2.
Under s76(1) of the Act, the Real Estate Agents Authority (the REA) must maintain a
Panel of “up to 20 persons who are suitable to serve as members” of CACs. CACs are
formed from this Panel.
3.
In assessing the suitability of members for appointment to the Panel under the Act the
REA must have regard both to the personal attributes of the individual as well as their
knowledge and experience. The ability of the individual to commit the requisite time
and capacity to effectively carry out the role, and their ability to work constructively as
part of a decision-making body, is also taken into account.
4.
CACs are required to work as a team to ensure that decisions can be made effectively
and in a timely way. REA supports the CAC members to meet their obligations and to
ensure a high-quality and efficient complaint process. We do this through the provision
of CAC coordinators, investigators and legal support, and training.
5.
Chairs and deputy chairs are appointed as required under the Act
.1 The Chief Executive
under delegation from the REA Board approves the formation and membership of each
CAC, based on the recommendation of the Head of Regulatory Services. REA has a
discretion as to how many CACs it chooses to form and the assignment of roles.
6.
The makeup of each CAC is considered by REA as the appointing body based on each
member’s knowledge and experience. It is generally expected that the CAC Chair will
oversee the procedure for the CAC, including the allocation of responsibilities, setting
the agenda, and calling meetings. Chairs are also expected to engage with REA
through Chair meetings and to advise of any matters arising.
7.
When carrying out legislative functions as a CAC, members are bound by
confidentiality obligations and are subject to both the Official Information Act 1982 and
the Privacy Act 2000. It is noted that certain categories of information held by CACs
may have to be disclosed pursuant to these two Acts.
Term and scope
1 S77 REAA
link to page 6 link to page 6 link to page 6 link to page 6 link to page 6
8.
CAC Panel members are statutory appointees of a Crown Entity appointed for a period
of up to five years by the Authority under s76 of the Act with the CACs formed
pursuant to s75. Members are not employees or contractors of REA. Members are
appointed to the CAC Panel by the REA Board with individual Committees being formed
under delegation from the Board by the Chief Executive on recommendation by the
Head of Regulatory Services. Members can have their appointment revoked at the
discretion of the REA Board.
9.
Following the end of term through expiration or resignation, members will remain
available to complete current matters that the person is considering as a member of
the CAC, if required (and in accordance with s76(4)). The Terms of Appointment
continue to apply through this period.
10. Members are remunerated in accordance with the Cabinet Fees Framework (the
combined annual income paid to all CAC members is disclosed in REA’s Annual Report
each year). Fees payable will be notified by REA to members from time to time.
Duties and performance
11. Members are required to undertake the work necessary to deliver the functions of a
CAC under the Act. The CAC’s specific functions are set out in s75-99 of the Act. In
carrying out these functions, members must take active steps to ensure they do not
exceed any authority pursuant to the Act and associated regulations, and must comply
with any guidelines, procedures and/or policies required, from time to time, by REA.
REA has developed a CAC Handbook to provide further information about CAC work.
Members are required to read and comply with the CAC Handbook.
12. As statutory appointees all members must remain suitable and as part of that
obligation they must remain willing and able to fulfil their statutory obligations and
functions under the Act including overseeing investigations, exercising powers,
analysing information and preparing decisions in a timely ma
nner.2 Particular statutory
obligations include but are not limited to:
(a) Making a decision to inquire into a complaint as soon practicable after
receiving a complai
nt.3
(b) If a decision to take no action is made, to promptly give written notice of that
decision to the parties
.4
(c) A CAC must exercise its powers and perform its duties and functions in a way
that is consistent with the rules of natural justice
.5
(d) A CAC may regulate its procedure in any manner that it thinks fit as long as it
is consistent with the Act and any regulations made under i
t.6
13. Members are required to be aware of and comply with any other legislation or legal
obligations relevant to the exercise of their duties (for example, the provisions of the
Privacy Act 2020 and Official Information Act 1982, which may apply to CACs in the
exercise of their functions).
2 See s78-99 REAA
3 S79 REAA
4 S81 REAA
5 S84(1) REAA
6 S84(3) REAA
14. All members are expected to undertake their work exercising the appropriate level of
care, skill, and diligence reasonably expected from a CAC member. All work
undertaken must be of an appropriate quality to reflect the importance of the CAC role.
This includes demonstrating a robust working-knowledge and understanding of the Act
and associated regulations and code of conduct.
15. All members and CACs must take all reasonable steps to comply with any performance
measures and delivery timeframes as set by REA for performance of CAC members.
Members who are not able to meet the required timelines, or to dedicate the time
required to support an effective complaints and discipline process, may be stood down
from a CAC, or removed from the CAC Panel by the Board.
16. Pursuant to section 63 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 and in line with the REA’s
Disclosure of Interests and Managing Conflicts Policy, all members are required to
declare any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest as soon as it becomes
apparent and take appropriate steps alongside REA to ensure these are managed.
17. All members are required to conduct themselves in a professional and collegial
manner, demonstrate an ability to work as a CAC member, and to fulfil their
obligations in the complaints process. All members will ensure that decisions can be
made effectively and in a timely way.
18. All engagements with complainants, licensees, REA staff, and other CAC members
should be undertaken professionally and, in a manner reasonably expected of a person
in such a role. Members will be bound by relevant REA policies and procedures as
communicated to them from time to time, including the Anti-Bullying, Harassment &
Discrimination Policy.
19. Members are expected to conduct themselves consistently with public service
principles and any code of conduct which may be issued by the Public Service
Commission from time to time.
20. Appointments are made in accordance with the suitability requirements under the Act
and outlined above. All members have an obligation to monitor their ongoing suitability
and to immediately notify the REA if any personal circumstances change negating or
affecting (or potentially negating or affecting) suitability for the role. This includes
material changes to time availability.
21. Members and the CACs must keep the Registrar (and/or Registrar’s delegate) regularly
updated (and also on request of the Registrar or Registrar’s delegate) as to the
progress being made by them in the conduct of their functions under section 78 of the
Act.
22. In the event that REA has concerns that a CAC or individual member has failed to
comply with these Terms of Appointment and/or is not meeting their obligations as a
CAC member, REA may form a new CAC or stand members down from a CAC pending
the establishment of a new CAC. Members who do not meet expectations of suitability
may be removed from the Panel by the Board.
23. The removal of a member from the Panel, will be made on notice to the member,
unless the conduct is so serious that immediate removal is required. The process for
consideration of a complaint about a member is set out in the CAC Handbook.
Confidentiality
24. Noting the sensitive and confidential nature of material that CAC’s have access to, all
members are expected to take active steps to:
a. To maintain the confidentiality of all information disclosed in relation to
allegations and complaints about licensees under the Act (
Confidential
Information);
b. To only use knowledge of the Confidential Information for the purpose of
assessing and making determinations on allegations and complaints before
the CAC (
Permitted Purpose);
c. To not disclose, or permit to be disclosed, the Confidential Information other
than to:
i. Other members of their CAC, REA employees, contractors or agents
who need access to the Confidential Information for the Permitted
Purpose; or
ii. As required by Court Order; or
iii. With the written consent of REA.
d. To securely destroy all CAC papers, documentation or any other material
made available to me as a CAC member in the fulfilling my functions, after a
case has closed, or to securely return that information to REA.
e. The confidentiality provisions contained in this Terms of Appointment
continue to apply following the end of a CAC Panel member’s term.
Acknowledgement
In accepting appointment as a Complaints Assessment Committee Panel member, I
acknowledge and agree to comply with the Terms of Appointment and expectations as
outlined above and as set out in the accompanying letter of offer.
Signed:
Name:
Date:
