Head of real estate watchdog quits

Photo / Martin Sykes

The head of the new Real Estate Agents Authority (REAA) has quit seven months after it began its watchdog role.

Chief executive Janet Mazenier resigned yesterday. She took up the role at the authority's inception in January.

A statement said the authority was well-established and Ms Mazenier "intends taking on a new challenge".

Her resignation comes amid suggestions of a legal budget blowout as the authority faces hundreds of complaints, the Dominion Post reported.

The REAA to date had received 534 complaints, of which 57 determinations had been made. Two complaints had been referred to disciplinary tribunals, but no hearings had been held.

The newspaper reported the legal budget for complaints was too small for the number of complaints received.

The authority has an initial budget of more than $6 million, and the power to recover costs through industry levies.

The newspaper also reported the authority had hired a former senior police officer who was alleged to have had an affair with a junior colleague.

Jon Moss, who is understood to have a high-paying management job with the REAA, resigned from his role as national head of police professional standards in September.

His resignation cut short an investigation into the 4-1/2 year affair, which he did not disclose when applying for the professional standards role.

REAA spokesman Dan Ormond said today the authority could not immediately comment on either matter.

A spokesman for Justice Minister Simon Power said he would not comment on either matter as they were employment issues.

Mr Power appoints the board of the REAA but not positions below that.

The REAA, an independent complaints authority, was established under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 amid concerns over the previous self-governing system, which was run by the Real Estate Institute.

The institute's president, Peter McDonald, said today that Ms Mazenier had done "a very, very good job" as chief executive.

Responding to suggestions of a budget blowout, Mr McDonald said the REAA was in "a very powerful position" because it could require agents to pay levies with 28 days' notice.

Agents had not been levied to date, although there were "strong suggestions" they may be levied in the future.

"The cost will be passed on through levies, so the industry needs to react a bit if and when it does happen."

Asked about Mr Moss' role with the REAA, Mr McDonald said: "We don't have a say or an input into those appointments. If he does his job correctly and fairly, that's all we can ask."

The REAA can fine individuals up to $10,000 and companies up to $20,000. Compensation of up to $100,000 can be ordered in serious cases that appear before a tribunal.

- NZPA