Industry newsletters

We’ll add links here when we publish our regular newsletters.

06 June 2023

Read our REA Special Pānui: Trust Account Audit here

27 April 2023

Read the April 2023 REA Pānui here

14 April 2023

Read our REA Special Pānui: Final mandatory 2023 CPD topic now available for enrolment here

16 March 2023

Read our REA Special Pānui: Update on release of new mandatory 2023 CPD topic here. 

28 February 2023

Read the February 2023 REA Pānui here.

In this REA Pānui

  • A message from the Chief Executive
  • Regulatory reminders

  • Requests for sector input

  • Recent cases of note

  • Laws and legislation

  • Licensing and compliance statistics

  • REA news and media

17 February 2023

Read our REA Special Pānui: Message for licensees impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle here.

27 January 2023

Read our REA Special Pānui: 2022 CPD Compliance here.

13 December 2022

Read the December 2022 REA Pānui here.

Real Estate Authority (REA) guidance and updates

  • A message from the Chief Executive
  • Important ‘must do’ tasks – CPD completion by 31 December
  • New training organisations approved for 2023 CPD
  • Exemptions from CPD provided through professional memberships
  • Negative flow-on effects if appraisals not done properly
  • ‘Sleeve’ listing needs signed agency agreement first
  • Act with integrity and empathy
  • New Level 6 agent qualification now open for enrolment
  • Support greater understanding of the real estate process - Use the new REA consumer guides and translations.
  • Ensuring a quality complaints system - External review of CAC decisions
  • Confidence reflects effort maintaining conduct standards
  • Meth regulation proposals
  • Trust account audit results demonstrates improvements in 2022
  • Don’t let the summer break dry up your newsfeed
  • Lessons from the Tribunal
  • REA in the news
  • News from across government

04 November 2022

Read our REA Special Pānui: REA publishes a report on consumer perceptions of the real estate industry here.

27 October 2022

Read our REA Special Pānui: Reminder to complete CPD requirements here.

21 October 2022

Read our REA Special Pānui: Print copies of new REA guides now available for order here

07 October 2022

Read our REA Special Pānui: Guides transition period to 30 November here.

06 October 2022

Read the October 2022 REA Pānui here.

Real Estate Authority (REA) guidance and updates

  • A message from the Chief Executive
  • Conflict of interest rules and conjunctional sales 
  • Complete this year's CPD before 31 December 
  • New and updated CPD topics for 2023
  • Introducing a new three-year diversity and inclusion learning series 
  • Become an approved REA training provider
  • Your personal branding must identify your agency too 
  • Highlights from our annual licensee survey 
  • Use the new REA guides from 14 October 
  • A conversation with REA in Porirua 
  • Lessons from the Tribunal 
  • REA in the news
  • News from across government 

30 September 2022

Read our REA Special Pānui: Refreshed Consumer Guides here.

19 September 2022

Read our REA Special Pānui: Updated COVID-19 guidelines here.

19 August 2022

Read the August 2022 REA Pānui here

Real Estate Authority (REA) guidance and updates

  • A message from the Chief Executive
  • Importance of agency agreements
  • Reminder about passing on vendor information
  • Fit and proper consultation findings
  • All salespeople must be supervised
  • Update your details now
  • Lessons from the Tribunal – legal case summaries
  • Overseas Investment Act rules explained
  • REA in the news
  • News from across government – new guidance for earthquake prone buildings and AML

2 August 2022

Read our REA Special Pānui: Fit and Proper Guidelines here.

30 June 2022

Read our REA Special Pānui: Statement of Performance Expectations 2022/23 here.

22 June 2022

Read the June 2022 REA Pānui here.

Real Estate Authority (REA) guidance and updates

  • A message from the Chief Executive
  • Eleventh edition of ADLS REINZ Agreement for Sale and Purchase of Real Estate to recognise Matariki public holiday
  • Unit Titles Amendment Act changes to disclosure
  • Get your tax expense claims correct
  • Help overseas buyers comply with overseas investment rules
  • Avoid complaints and costly penalties for signage bylaw non-compliance
  • Lessons from the Tribunal
  • REA in the news
  • News from across government

16 May 2022

Read our REA Pānui - Consultation opens on guidelines for assessment of ‘fit and proper’ requirements for real estate licensees here

26 April 2022

Read the April 2022 REA Pānui here

Real Estate Authority (REA) guidance and updates

  • A message from the Chief Executive
  • April IAG meeting
  • Lessons from the Tribunal
  • Cooling market should incentivise higher-tier licences
  • Conversations with REA Palmerston North
  • Sharing vendor information with third parties
  • Skills Recognition of Current Competency Level 5 now open
  • Get ready for the 2022 Trust Account Audit
  • Licensee's obligation to maintain their licence
  • Reminder of importance to renew licence on time to avoid risk of expiry
  • REA in the news

News from across government

  • Russian Sanctions Act and AML/CFT reporting

13 April 2022

Read our Special COVID-19 update - Move to Orange Setting here.

8 April 2022

Read our Special COVID-19 update - Changes to Red Setting here

24 March 2022

Read our Special COVID-19 update - Changes to Red Setting here.

28 February 2022

Read the February 2022 REA Pānui here

Real Estate Authority (REA) guidance and updates:

  • A message from the Chief Executive
  • Licence renewal reminder
  • Complaints in review - July to December 2021
  • Lessons from the Tribunal
  • Managing vendors in a cooling market
  • Covering COVID-19 scenarios outside the sale and purchase agreement
  • Plan your 2022 continuing professional development early
  • REA in the news

News from across government: 

  • Outsourcing AML/CFT requirements
  • Ministry of Housing and Urban Development consultation on regulation of residential property managers
  • Legislation Act 2019 and ‘Working day’

24 February 2022

Read our Special COVID-19 update - Moving to Omicron Phase 3 here

15 February 2022

Read our Special COVID-19 update - Moving to Omicron Phase 2 here

4 February 2022

Read our Special COVID-19 update - changes to face covering requirements here

31 January 2022

Read our REA Pānui - Amendments to licensing regulations come into force 1 February 2022 here.

 

23 January 2022

Read our Special COVID-19 update - Moving to Red Traffic Light setting update here.

2021 Newsletters

  • December 2021

    Read the December REA Pānui here(external link).

    Real Estate Authority (REA) guidance and updates

    • A message from the Chief Executive
    • 2021 CPD reminder – time is running out
    • Annual licensee survey
    • 2021 complaint learnings
    • 2022 Continuing professional development topics
    • Outcomes of the 2020/2021 trust account audit
    • Meetings with Industry Advisory Groups (IAGs)
    • REA in the news.

    News from across government

    • Overseas Investment rules
  • 9 December 2021 - Regulation changes for new real estate licence applications 

    Read our REA Pānui - Regulation changes for new real estate licence applications here(external link).

  • 1 December 2021 - COVID-19 Protection Framework - traffic light system

    Read our REA Pānui (COVID-19 Protection Framework - traffic light system) email update here(external link).

  • 24 November 2021 - Special COVID-19 update

    Read our REA Pānui (Special COVID-19 update) email update here(external link).

  • 16 November 2021 - Special COVID-19 update

    Read our REA Pānui (Special COVID-19 update) email update here(external link).

  • October 2021

    Read the October REA Pānui here(external link)

    Real Estate Authority (REA) guidance and updates:

    • A message from the Chief Executive
    • Vaccination status queries
    • REA welcomes new Board member
    • Summary of complaint decisions
    • Reminder to check you're on track to meet your CPD obligations
    • Updates to the Licensee Portal
    • Ordering REA guides online is now live
    • REA in the news.
    • News from across government

    Changes to Fair Trading Act 1986

    Tenancy termination restrictions

    Interest deductibility rules

  • 13 October 2021 - REA Special Pānui

    Read our REA Special Pānui (2020-2021 Annual Report) here(external link).

  • 12 October 2021 - Special COVID-19 update

    Read our REA Pānui (Special COVID-19 update) email update here(external link).

  • 30 September 2021- COVID-19 industry email update

    Read our COVID-19 industry email update here(external link).

  • 24 September 2021 - COVID-19 industry email update

    Read our COVID-19 industry email update here(external link).

  • 23 September 2021 - COVID-19 industry email update

    Read our COVID-19 industry email update here(external link).

  • 21 September 2021 - COVID-19 industry email update 

    Read our COVID-19 industry email update here(external link).
  • 8 September 2021- COVID-19 industry email update

    Read our COVID-19 industry email update here(external link).

  • 7 September 2021 - COVID-19 industry email update

    Read our COVID-19 industry email update here.(external link)

  • 3 September 2021- COVID-19 industry email update

    Read our COVID-19 industry email update here.(external link)

  • 31 August 2021 - COVID-19 industry email update

    Read our COVID-19 industry email update here.(external link)

  • August 2021

    Read the August REA Pānui here(external link)

    Real Estate Authority (REA) guidance and updates

    • A message from the Chief Executive
    • Licensee survey - interim results
    • Conversation with REA event – South Auckland
    • Seeking new CAC panel members
    • New online ordering process for REA guides
    • Council signage
    • Summary of complaint decisions
    • REA in the news.

    News from across government

    • AML annual reports due 31 August 2021 - Now extended to 30 September 2021
    • Recent amendments to the Overseas Investment Act
    • New tax rules for those purchasing commercial property
    • Changes to the Unit Titles Act.
  • 17 August 2021 - COVID-19 industry email update 

    Read our COVID-19 industry email update here (external link)

  • 25 June 2021 - Special Strategy Pānui newsletter

    Read our Special Strategy Pānui newsletter here(external link) 

    Real Estate Authority (REA) Strategic Framework 2021 - 2025

    • A message from the Chief Executive
    • The Real Estate Authority 2021-2025 Strategic Framework
  • June 2021

    Read the June newsletter here(external link)

    Real Estate Authority (REA) guidance and updates

    • A message from the Chief Executive
    • Summary of recent complaint decisions
    • Best practice guidance for buyers' agents
    • Caution over selling non-body corporate properties
    • Using Form 2 when buying at auction
    • Real estate qualifications update
    • Trust account audit reports due
    • Free buyer journey guides
    • Launching the latest facilitated meeting pack
    • REA in the news.

    News from across government

    • Building consent numbers at an all-time high
    • Regulatory findings report shows real estate agents leading in AML reporting
    • Inland Revenue hidden economy campaign update.
  • March 2021

    Read the March newsletter here(external link).

    Real Estate Authority (REA) guidance and updates

    • A message from the Chief Executive
    • Lessons from the Tribunal – disclosure
    • Lessons from the Tribunal – supervision
    • Lessons from the Tribunal – trust accounts
    • Rights for new homeowners with an existing EQC claim
    • Renewing your licence
    • Qualification review – public consultation closed
    • REA in the news.

    News from across government

    • Real estate sector the focus of new Inland Revenue campaign
    • First formal AML/CFT warning issued to a real estate agent
    • Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2020 – further changes now in force
    • Investigating privacy practices in the rental accommodation sector
    • Review of DIA real estate guidance on AML-CFT.

2020 Newsletters

  • December 2020

    Read the December newsletter here(external link).

    Real Estate Authority (REA) guidance and updates

    • A message from the Chief Executive
    • Recent complaint decisions
    • Approaching another licensee's client
    • Conversation with REA event in Dunedin
    • Complete your CPD or risk cancellation of your licence
    • Study options for real estate qualifications
    • COVID-19 guidance reminder
    • Commercial leasing: expiring AML/CFT regulations extended
    • Obligations for licensees marketing commercial leases.

    Interesting extras

    • REA in the news
    • Content for your social media channels
    • REA office closure dates
    • News from across government.
  • October 2020

    Read the October newsletter here(external link).

    Real Estate Authority guidance and updates

    • A message from the Chief Executive
    • Real estate qualifications review
    • Summary of recent complaint decisions
    • CPD reminder
    • COVID-19 guidance for the real estate industry
    • Using the right terminology — appraisal vs valuation
    • Maintaining professionalism when you miss out on a listing
    • Get to know Belinda Moffat

    News from across government

    • AML-CFT compliance in the real estate sector
    • Privacy Act 2020 information for businesses
    • COVID-19 commercial lease dispute services
    • Supporting mental health and wellbeing in the workplace
  • August 2020

    Read the August newsletter here(external link).

    • Reviewing the last year of complaints
    • Licensee obligations around property inspection reports
    • Annual licensee survey results
    • Incorrect use of 'solicitor’s approval' condition
    • Myth-busters: Buyers’ agent edition
    • Free buyer journey guides
    • New building consent exemptions
    • Licensing numbers in a COVID-19 environment
  • June 2020

    Read the June newsletter here(external link).

    • Survey results – the initial impacts of COVID-19
    • Costs awarded under section 110A (C24399)
    • Selling a tenanted property under new COVID-19 rules
    • Developing COVID-19 guidance
    • CPD exemption through PINZ and RICS
    • New video resources
    • AML independent audit requirements during COVID-19
    • Vacancy: REA Complaints Assessment Committee members
    • CPD for beginners
  • April 2020

    Read the April newsletter here(external link).

    • COVID-19 information for licensees
    • COVID-19 information for buyers and sellers
    • Conducting appraisals during the COVID-19 lockdown
    • An update about complaints, Complaint Assesssment Committees and the Tribunal
    • New salespersons must now complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in their first year
    • Now is a good time for all licensees to complete their CPD for 2020 - including non-verifiable CPD
    • Members of RICS and PINZ can again apply for excemption from some of their CPD
  • February 2020

    Read the February newsletter here(external link).

    • New resources for licensees: conflict of interest meeting packs and marketing and advertising educational video
    • Avoiding a misleading expected sale price – C29353 overview
    • An update about the branch manager and agent qualifications
    • Does your licence expire in March? Renew now!
    • What do you need to know about sale and purchase agreements?
    • A proposed change to the application of CPD exemptions for new salespersons
    • Plan your 2020 CPD early

2019 Newsletters

  • December 2019

    Read the December newsletter here(external link)

    • Highlights from REA's first ten years
    • 2020 Continuing Professional Development 
    • 'Working days' over the holiday period
    • Top 10 newsletter articles from 2019
  • October 2019

    Read the October newsletter here(external link).

    • New commercial information page on rea.govt.nz
    • New rural information page on rea.govt.nz
    • First-home buyer spring campaign
    • Nearly there – the pre-settlement inspection
    • Continuing professional development (CPD) update
    • A look at licensee demographics
    • Case spotlight - NZREADT 37
    • REA is on LinkedIn
  • September 2019

    Read the September newsletter here(external link)

    • When is a garage not a garage?
    • New and updated information on REA.govt.nz
    • Highlights from REA's 2019 consumer research
    • Being fit & proper to hold a licence
    • Don't sell my home! Four tips for navigating a mortgagee sale
    • Why do consumers recommend a real estate agent?
    • An invitation for trainers 
    • REA's industry engagement 
    • Please give us your feedback about the disclosure training pack
  • July 2019

    Read the July newsletter here(external link)

    •  Risks of working with developers
    •  AML Annual report due 31 August
    •  Keeping your details up to date
    •  Recent EQC changes you need to know about
    •  Settled.govt.nz is a Spirit of Service Excellence Awards Finalist!
    •  Early Resolution’s 7 top tips for preventing complaints
    •  2019 Annual Licensee Survey results
    •  New agency disclosure meeting packs
  • June 2019

    Read the June newsletter here(external link)

    • Trust account audit reports are due soon
    •  CPD myth-busters
    •  Recently added and updated content on rea.govt.nz
    •  AML update and reminders
    •  A friendly reminder about drone photography
    • New resource video and five guiding principles of  disclosure
    •  Recent EQC legislation changes
    • Top 10 Facebook tips
    •  Reporting other licensees' conduct
    •  CPD exemption through PINZ and RICS
    •  Free buyer journey guides
  • April 2019

    Read the April newsletter here.(external link) 

    • New rea.govt.nz educational videos and guidance
    • Property Checker tool
    • First home buyers campaign and buyer journey
    • Our Licensing team
    • Bulk renewal licensing statistics
    • Apartment sales and how to avoid common complaints 
    • CPD refresher training and new topics available
    • Spotlight on Provisional Value and conflict of interests
    • Brightline test
  • February 2019

    Read the Feburary newsletter here(external link)

    • Renewing your licence
    • The 10 most read newsletter articles in 2018
    • New Registrar powers for dealing with complaints
    • CPD
    • Campaign for first home buyers
    • Real estate agencies can now use RealMe
    • AML guidance
    • CE non-completions in 2018
    • New industry contact

2018 Newsletters

  • December 2018

    Read the December newsletter here(external link)

    • The year in review
    • New videos for buyers and sellers
    • Insulation requirements for landlords - what’s it got to do with real estate work?
    • What does a good supervision policy and plan look like?
    • Continuing professional development (CPD)
    • Trust account audit findings and guidance
    • AML registration
  • November 2018

    Read the November newsletter here(external link).

    • Research on vendor disclosure
    • 'Ask Kevin' column 
    • Reporting trust account irregularities
    • Continuing professional development (CPD) for 2018 overview
    • REA's annual report 
    • Settled.govt.nz at open homes
    • Overseas buyers
    • Form 2 and provisional value
    • Tribunals Bill
    • AML Workshops
    • Dual branding
  • September 2018

    Read the September newsletter here(external link).  

    • The Real Estate Agents Act is 10 years old
    • Using the correct licence description
    • Selling property impacted by NZTA projects
    • How to use the government's RealMe service
    • A High Court decision
    • Settled.govt.nz
    • Improvements to rea.govt.nz
    • A reminder about continuing education
    • Continuing professional development in 2019
    • Information about unit titles
  • August 2018

    Read the August newsletter here(external link).

    • More on meth disclosure
    • Sharing settled.govt.nz
    • An invitation to help improve rea.govt.nz
    • REA guides
    • Results of our non-verifiable education audit
    • An AML update
    • What happens when a buyer finds an issue with a property you're selling?
    • Buyers and sellers reveal why they recommend agents
    • The Overseas Investment Amendment Bill is passed
    • Take a 2-minute quiz!
  • June 2018

    Read the June newsletter here(external link)

    • Sharing client details at the end of a listing
    • Managing requests for a sale price
    • Sharing website information with clients
    • More about settled.govt.nz
    • A Tribunal decision about commercial property management
    • An update on the Overseas Investment Amendment Bill
    • The Tribunals Bill
    • Methamphetamine guidance
    • New Zealand Real Estate Trust
  • April 2018

    Read the April newsletter here(external link)

    • Changes to REA's continuing education programme
    • What agencies need to do now ahead of the AML/CFT Act
    • Spotlight on settled.govt.nz
    • How non-licensed staff can save you time
    • Criminalisation of cartels
    • A recent Supreme Court decision
    • Trust account audits
  • March 2018

    Read the March newsletter here(external link)

    • OIA (Overseas Investment Amendment Bill)
    • Agency agreements
    • Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act and regulations
    • Tribunals Power and Procedures Legislation Bill
    • Sharing the new guides with buyers and sellers
    • Introducing settled.govt.nz

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