22 April 2022
Our Ref: C67006
By email: [FYI request #34290 email]
Tēnā koe John,
Official Information Act 1982 (OIA): Request for information
Thank you for your request made via email dated 29 March 2026. You requested the
following information:
I noted :"We are excited to share that last Friday we signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with the The Real Estate Agents Authority to support effective
regulation of the real estate sector under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering
Financing of Terrorism Act. Real estate is as attractive to criminals as it is to
legitimate investors. As a high-value asset, it can be used domestically and
internationally to launder and invest criminal proceeds. The MoU sets expectations
for working together to give effect to the AML/CFT Act, confidentiality, information
sharing, and coordinated enforcement work. The agreement reflects the powers
conferred under the AML/CFT Act, and obligations real estate licensees have under
the REA Code of Conduct with respect to legislation relevant to real estate agency
work. We look forward to working more closely with REA on our shared goals of
raising professional conduct, consumer protection, and compliance with the law."
Could you please provide the full copy of the MoU mentioned in the news? Also, who
was present at the signing ceremony? We have considered your request under the
OIA.
Information being released
Enclosed with this letter is a copy of the MoU signed between the Real Estate Authority and
the Department of Internal Affairs on 20 March 2026.
The following people were present at the ceremony:
REA
Belinda Moffat
Josh Doherty
Andrew Tringham
Katie Solomon
Saara Fourie
DIA
Rachel Leota
Serge Sablyak
John Sneyd
Katrina Norman
Jo Leavesly
Next steps
You have the right to seek an investigation and review of this decision by the Ombudsman.
Information about how to make a complaint is available at
https://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/ or freephone 0800 802 602.
Nāku iti noa, nā
Andrew Tringham
Head of Regulatory Response and Legal
Document Outline