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The Real Estate Institute has defended one of its chiefs after an out-of-court payout to a disgruntled house seller.
Murray Cleland, the institute's president, said his organisation was well aware of a pending civil action involving Pinkney Real Estate, owned by Michael Pinkney, who was also a national councillor of the institute.
Pinkney said last week a confidential financial settlement had been made with the vendor of a Castor Bay house who was unhappy about the deal.
The complaint was about the price received for the house and a conflict of interest with the agents who were related by marriage.
The vendor, Chris Bilham, said he did not complain to the institute because he had no faith in the procedure, which he knew was being overhauled by the Government.
Cleland said Pinkney had played a significant role in the industry and institute and his role was important.
"The institute wishes to acknowledge the significant contribution he has made to the industry during a 37-year career and to the institute, as a past district president and current national councillor for five years," Cleland said.
He also expressed "confidence in his integrity" and said the dispute had not been made known to the institute.
"This is a civil matter and there has been no complaint made with the institute or the Real Estate Agents Licensing Board and therefore this is not a disciplinary matter. Because this is a civil matter, it is not appropriate that the institute make any comment regarding the case."
