Work for us

He kōrero mō te tūranga mahi | About the role

As the General Counsel, you will report directly to the Chief Executive and be a key member of REA’s senior leadership team. You will share responsibility for the overall success of the organisation and delivery of its strategic priorities and regulatory outputs.

As strategic leader of the legal services team, you will develop the legal strategy, contribute to policy and legislative reform, and provide strategic legal advice and governance support to the Chief Executive and Board. You will also maintain relationships with key government and industry stakeholders and will have the opportunity to present at conferences and road shows, and participate in (and potentially Chair) industry forums.

Working alongside the Legal Services Manager, you will build and lead a high-performing legal team, ensuring the smooth running of the legal advisory, regulatory policy and litigation functions. You will also oversee the provision of expert legal advice to support the complaints and discipline and licensing processes, including supporting Complaints Assessment Committees, and overseeing litigation before the Real Estate Agents Disciplinary Tribunal, District and High Courts and the Court of Appeal.

He kōrero mōu | About you

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A tertiary qualification in law with a current New Zealand practising certificate.
• Recent senior legal experience in regulatory environments, preferably leading at the political/legislative/policy interface, with some knowledge of professional conduct matters.
• Proven hands-on litigation experience with sound knowledge and experience of prosecution processes, court procedures, Tribunal processes, and the model litigant approach.
• Experience leading a team of legal specialists and building a high-performing culture.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• Strategic thinking skills and ability to contribute effectively as part of a senior leadership team.

REA offers a diverse and inclusive work environment. We welcome candidates who bring a range of perspectives, skills and experience from across New Zealand’s diverse communities, including those who may bring a Māori and Pacific Peoples perspective, and who are passionate about effective regulation and delivering better outcomes for all New Zealanders.

Me pehea te tuku tono | How to apply

Click here for the job description. [PDF, 101 KB]

For further information, please contact Jane Temel, Kaiwhakahaere/Director, Niche Recruitment on 021 499 902 or email jane.temel@nicherecruitment.co.nz. Applications close at 5pm, Friday 19th July 2024.

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.

The role

The CAC panel consists of lawyers, consumer representatives, 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.

Requirements of the role include:

• Knowledge of law, real estate and/or consumer affairs
• Previous experience in decision writing is desirable
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Able to work remotely
• Reviewing evidence, attending (remotely or in person) hearings to reach a decision and writing decisions
• Sound judgement and ability to work in a team to tight timeframes
• An average of 30 - 50 hours per month subject to complaint case volumes
• Complaint determination or dispute resolution experience preferred
• Effective IT, time management and organisational skills
• Knowledge and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Diverse perspectives

Each appointment is for a five-year term. Remuneration for panel members is set in accordance with the Cabinet Office Fees Framework and is currently between $52 and $85 per hour depending on the position held (Chair, Deputy Chair or Member)

Expression of interest

Click here for the job description [PDF, 207 KB] and expression of interest form. [DOCX, 113 KB]

Apply by sending your CV, covering letter and expression of interest form to recruitment@rea.govt.nz

For any support with the application process, please contact recruitment@rea.govt.nz

Questions

For more information about the roles, please contact Sue Johnston, Investigation and CAC Manager at Sue.Johnston@rea.govt.nz.

Applications have now closed. 

About this role

Reporting to the Legal Services Manager, you will be responsible for the provision of high quality and timely legal and regulatory advice and managing litigation files in relation to the licensing and disciplinary process contained in the Real Estates Agents Act 2008 and its associated Regulations and Codes. This role may include working with external counsel on litigation files before the Disciplinary Tribunal or Courts and appearances on behalf of REA when appropriate. Support from other members of the team will be readily available to you.

You will also undertake work in relation to:

• Research and opinions
• Assisting staff responsible for managing the licensing and other activities of REA
• Ensuring that the polices and practices underpinning REA’s activities meet the highest possible standards, are rigorous, fair, and able to stand up to in-depth professional and judicial scrutiny
• Legal advice for the guidance and direction of Complaint Assessment Committees and REA teams
• Building strong and effective relationships across REA and with external stakeholders
• Providing mentoring to colleagues in the legal

For further information read the job description [PDF, 98 KB]

About you

You will have at least 5 years’ PQE, with experience managing litigation and/or appearing before Tribunals or Court either within private practice or an in-house environment. As well as being able to hold a NZ practising certificate, you will also have some or all of the following:

• A strong understanding of regulatory regimes and the machinery of government
• Knowledge of the principles of property and public law
• Excellent communication and a collaborative working style
• Evidence a regard for diverse perspectives, ensuring the fair treatment of all people
• Proven ability to provide coaching or mentoring to team member

Benefits

The REA team is welcoming, super friendly, collaborative and committed to making a difference for New Zealand. You can expect rewarding and complex work in an exciting sector that is critical to New Zealand. A great central Wellington CBD location, commitment to staff professional development and an active social club are amongst many benefits of joining the REA team!

Apply Now

To apply, complete the application form [DOCX, 118 KB]and submit with your CV and cover letter to recruitment@rea.govt.nz. Please let us know if you have any specific access needs to allow you to participate in our recruitment process.

Please note, you must have a legal right to work in New Zealand. Successful appointment is conditional upon police vetting and qualification checks.