Real estate regulator appoints new boss

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Keith Manch has today been named the new chief executive of the Real Estate Agents Authority.

Manch, a senior manager at the Department of Internal Affairs, replaces Janet Mazenier, who resigned in June just months after the authority's inception.

Real Estate Agents Authority board chair Kristy McDonald QC said Manch's experience in government roles provided him with a sound understanding of consumer issues and the relationships between sellers, buyers and their real estate agents.

Manch has responsibility for a range of policy and operational regulatory functions in his role with the Department of Internal Affairs, and has previously worked as a general manager for the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

He will take up his appointment in January.

The Real Estate Agents Authority was launched in November last year and is a Crown entity which provides an independent oversight of the real estate industry and increased consumer protection.

The authority is responsible for licensing agents, branch managers and salespersons, providing consumer information and the receiving of complaints relating to real estate services.

- NZ HERALD ONLINE