The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ)
Corporate Identity and Registration
1. Business / Trading Name: Real Estate Institute of New Zealand Incorporated (commonly known as REINZ).
2. Company Number: 222891 (Incorporated Society registration, originally reg. no. 1927/3 under the 1908 Act).
3. NZBN (NZ Business Number): 9429042823698.
4. Entity Type: Incorporated society (non-profit membership organisation) registered under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908.
5. Business Classification: Industry association for real estate professionals (advocacy, training, data services).
6. Industry Category: Real estate services (residential, commercial, rural, property management, etc.).
7. Year Founded: Established 22 July 1915 in Wellington (celebrated centenary in 2015).
8. Addresses: Head Office – Level 3, 155 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton, Auckland 1023. Postal – PO Box 5663, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142. (A regional office was historically in Christchurch at 232 Armagh Street.)
9. Website: reinz.co.nz (official site).
10. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/reinz (REINZ official page, “The Voice of Real Estate”).
11. Company Hub NZ Listing: REINZ is the ultimate holder of several commercial subsidiaries (e.g. REINZ Member Services Ltd). (As an incorporated society, REINZ itself is not on the Companies Register; its subsidiaries are registered companies.)
12. NZ Companies Office Record: https://app.businessregisters.govt.nz/sber-businesses/viewInstance/view.html?id=229a78e05307b6d8bf1b29667f00cb17e4723c0e9959122f&_timestamp=1961684422744848 (Incorporated Societies Register)
13. Social Media and Online Presence
REINZ maintains an active presence on major platforms:
• Facebook: facebook.com/RealEstateInstituteNZ (official page with industry updates).
• Twitter (X): @REINZTweets – Twitter account for news and market statistics.
• Instagram: @reinz_gram – Instagram feed highlighting market data and events.
• YouTube: @realestateinstituteofnz - REINZ’s YouTube channel features property market reports and training videos.
(These channels are used to disseminate monthly property statistics, industry news, and event highlights.)
Ownership and Structure
14. Ultimate Holding Company: Not applicable. REINZ is a member-owned incorporated society with no shareholders; it is the top entity in its structure. (REINZ itself is the ultimate parent for its wholly-owned commercial arms.)
15. Key Shareholders: As a non-profit society, REINZ has no shareholders – its “owners” are its member real estate professionals. (However, REINZ indirectly holds a significant equity stake in industry property portal Realestate.co.nz Limited. Through its subsidiary REINZ Member Services Ltd, it owns 50% of Realestate.co.nz.) REINZ Member Services Ltd and other offshoot companies (e.g. REINZ Photographic Services, REINZ Tenancy Services, REINZ Ventures) are 100% owned by REINZ.
16. Leadership and Personnel
• Governance: The REINZ Board is led by Kevin Jenkins, an independent director appointed as Board Chair in late 2022. Jenkins, a public-policy consultant (co-founder of MartinJenkins), succeeded long-time Chair Dame Rosanne Meo (who led the board from 2015 until 2022). The Board includes elected industry representatives from various regions (e.g. past directors have included Euon Murrell of Wellington, Liz Nidd of Dunedin, etc.).
• Executive Management: Until March 2025 the Chief Executive was Jen Baird, who had led REINZ since July 2021. Baird resigned in 2025 to take a senior role at real estate firm Bayleys. The Board has appointed Rowan Dixon (REINZ’s longtime CFO/GM since 2016) as Acting Chief Executive from March 2025. Previous CEOs include Bindi Norwell (2017–2020) and Helen O’Sullivan (2010–2014), both of whom were credited with modernising the organisation.
17. Staff: REINZ operates with a relatively small professional staff. It has on the order of 20–30 employees(24 staff were listed in a 2020 wage subsidy claim), reflecting its role as an industry body. LinkedIn data also places the organisation in the “11–50 employees” size category. Staff are based primarily in Auckland, with some remote or regional roles. Departments include advocacy, research/data analysis, member services, education/training, and corporate services.
18. Former Government Officials on Staff: REINZ has benefitted from hiring personnel with public-sector experience. Notably, CEO Jen Baird was previously a General Manager at Hamilton City Council (leading the city’s growth and economic development division) before joining REINZ. Board Chair Kevin Jenkins has served on various government advisory boards and brings connections across the public sector. Another prominent figure, former REINZ director Euon Murrell, had a long career in local government (Porirua City Councillor for five terms and Deputy Mayor 2003–2007), as well as a stint as a parliamentary candidate. This revolving door of expertise underscores REINZ’s links to government and regulatory circles.
19. Notable Past Employees: Helen O’Sullivan (Chief Executive 2010–14) oversaw REINZ during the transition to the new regulatory regime (after the 2008 Act) and later went on to leadership roles in the property development sector. Bindi Norwell (Chief Executive 2017–20) was one of the first women to lead REINZ; after departing, she was appointed CEO of a healthcare industry organization (ProCare) in 2021. Jen Baird (Chief Executive 2021–25) departed to become an executive at member firm Bayleys – a move that raised eyebrows as she effectively joined a company her organisation represents. REINZ’s General Counsel in the late 2010s, Lisa Gerrard, was a former public prosecutor, illustrating the mix of private and public sector talent within REINZ.
20. Membership and Clients
• Members / Clients: REINZ’s members are its core stakeholders and de facto “clients.” The Institute is a membership organisation with over 17,000 members nationwide, representing approximately 97% of licensed real estate professionals in New Zealand. Members include real estate agents, agencies (large franchises and independents), auctioneers, property managers, rural brokers, and commercial brokers. Membership became voluntary (no longer mandated by law) after 2008, yet REINZ still retains the vast majority of the industry – a testament to its value and influence. REINZ provides members with services (standard contracts, training, market statistics, legal updates, etc.), so in that sense the member firms are the “clients” of REINZ.
• Other Clients: Beyond its membership, REINZ’s products and data serve others in the property sector. For example, REINZ sells access to its property data and statistics to financial institutions, government agencies, and researchers. It also offers real estate forms and contracts (on a subscription basis) to non-member lawyers or conveyancers dealing in property sales. However, unlike a typical business, REINZ does not have commercial “clients” in the usual sense – its role is primarily as an industry body serving its members and acting in the public interest on industry standards.
21. Industries and Sectors Represented
• Sector Representation: REINZ’s mandate spans all facets of real estate in New Zealand. Its membership and activities cover: Residential real estate (home sales and buyer’s agents), Commercial and industrial real estate, Rural and agricultural property sales, Business brokerage (sale of businesses), Property management (residential rentals), and Auctioneering. Approximately 97% of licensed real estate agents and agencies across these sectors belong to REINZ. This broad base means REINZ speaks as the representative for the entire real estate profession, from large franchise chains to individual licensees. REINZ has specialist member sub-groups or forums for different sectors (e.g. a rural real estate advisory group, a property management community, etc., within its structure to ensure each segment’s issues are heard). The Institute positions itself publicly as “the voice of real estate” on national policy and market trends.
• Industry Coverage: Historically, REINZ’s influence was so pervasive that membership was compulsory for licensing until reforms in 2008. Today it continues to represent the real estate industry in dealings with government, media, and the public – for instance lobbying on housing policy, contributing to tenancy law discussions, and setting professional guidelines that often extend across the sector (even to non-members, given its near-universal membership). In sum, REINZ is effectively synonymous with the real estate agency sector in NZ, encompassing residential housing, commercial property, rural land sales, and property management services.
22. Public Engagements and Disclosures
• Lobbying and Advocacy: REINZ is an active lobbyist on real estate and housing matters. It regularly makes submissions to Parliament and government consultations on legislation affecting the property market. For example, REINZ lodged submissions to the Ministry of Justice’s 2021 review of anti-money laundering laws, voicing the industry’s concerns about compliance burdens. It has also advocated on tenancy law reforms, tax policy (e.g. opposing extension of bright-line test and rent controls), and housing supply initiatives. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and other agencies often list REINZ as a stakeholder in consultations. These submissions are a matter of public record (often released under the OIA).
• Ministerial Meetings: As a peak industry body, REINZ officials frequently meet with government ministers and MPs. Transparency disclosures show numerous such engagements. For instance, in May 2022 Housing Minister Megan Woods spoke at a REINZ-hosted breakfast event in Auckland. (Her ministerial diary notes “Speak: Real Estate Institute of NZ (REINZ) Breakfast event” on 18 May 2022.) Opposition housing spokespeople also engage with REINZ; in July 2024, the Housing Minister Chris Bishop unveiled policy proposals in a speech to a REINZ audience. Over 2017–2023, housing ministers collectively logged hundreds of meetings with property sector representatives (REINZ included). These interactions – via formal meetings, industry functions, or REINZ conferences – indicate REINZ’s high-level access to policymakers.
• Transparency: REINZ itself is not covered by the Lobbyist Register (New Zealand does not have a mandatory lobbying register at this time). However, the Integrity Question: REINZ’s influence is documented through ministerial diary disclosures and its submissions. The Integrity Institute (the watchdog compiling this profile) is scrutinising such engagements given REINZ’s significant role in housing policy debates.
23. Affiliations and Partnerships
24. Events and Activities
• Annual Awards: REINZ hosts the Awards for Excellence gala annually, which recognises top performers in real estate. In 2023, for example, 45 awards were handed out across residential, commercial, rural, and community categories. This black-tie event is a marquee night for the industry, often with corporate sponsors and attended by hundreds of agents and agencies nationwide. Winners (e.g. “Large Agency of the Year”, “Residential Salesperson of the Year”) are widely publicised, enhancing REINZ’s role in setting benchmarks for professionalism.
• Conferences and Seminars: REINZ organizes regular member forums and an annual conference (often tied to its AGM). These events feature industry speakers and sometimes government representatives. REINZ also runs seminars and training workshops, for instance on regulatory changes or best practices, as part of its member services. During the Covid-19 pandemic, REINZ shifted many events online, conducting webinars on topics like digital signing of agreements and compliance with lockdown rules.
• Auctioneering Championships: A signature event is the National Real Estate Auctioneering Championships, which REINZ convenes annually (often in partnership with the Australasian auctioneering bodies). Top auctioneers from across NZ compete in calling simulated auctions. REINZ uses this event to promote excellence in auctioneering; winners often go on to represent New Zealand in international competitions. Coverage of the 2023 REINZ Auctioneering Champs shows robust participation, with divisions for senior and novice auctioneers.
• Market Reporting: While not an event per se, REINZ’s monthly housing market statistics release is a key recurring activity closely watched by media and economists. Each month, REINZ publishes sales volumes, median prices, and its House Price Index, usually accompanied by a press conference or media webinar with the Chief Executive commenting on market trends. These releases often generate headlines (e.g. “House prices fall X% – REINZ”) and effectively set the narrative on the property market, underscoring REINZ’s influential role.
• Other Organised Events: REINZ holds stakeholder roundtables on specialized topics (e.g. rural sector strategy days, property management forums) and member networking events. It also occasionally hosts public-facing events, such as first-home-buyer seminars in collaboration with local agencies (leveraging its data and expertise for consumer education). In 2015, REINZ held a centenary luncheon with members and retired agents to celebrate 100 years. This mix of celebratory and educational events helps REINZ maintain a strong community among real estate professionals.
25. Political Donations
• Donations by REINZ: There is no public record of direct political donations by REINZ itself in recent electoral disclosures. As a non-profit industry body, REINZ would be unlikely to donate to political parties (and none are recorded in Electoral Commission filings to date). However, questions have been raised historically about indirect support. In 2008, during debate over ending REINZ’s self-regulation, a Government minister questioned whether REINZ or its member companies had made any campaign contributions tied to promises of policy reversal. (Associate Justice Minister Clayton Cosgrove urged the opposition to “come clean” on whether REINZ funds had been solicited in exchange for winding back new real estate laws.) REINZ strongly denied any improper deals, and no evidence of donations was produced publicly.
• Member Contributions: It’s worth noting that major real estate firms and figures (who are part of REINZ’s membership) do feature in political donations lists. Large agency franchises or their owners have, at times, donated to political parties – e.g. individuals from real estate companies contributing to campaigns that favor property-friendly policies. These are not donations by REINZ per se, but they indicate the political engagement of the industry. For instance, in the late 2010s, realty businessmen were known to support the National Party. Such contributions are outside REINZ’s direct scope but underscore the industry’s political influence.
• Policy Influence vs Donations: Overall, REINZ’s clout tends to be exercised through lobbying and relationships rather than financial donations. The 2008 episode remains a pointed example: the mere suggestion of REINZ-linked donations causing policy concessions was a controversy in itself. In response, REINZ has generally been careful to frame its advocacy in terms of industry expertise and data, not political patronage. No formal findings of undue influence via donations have ever been made public.
26. Controversies
• Loss of Self-Regulation (2008): The biggest upheaval in REINZ’s history came with the Real Estate Agents Act 2008, which stripped REINZ of its regulatory powers. Prior to 2008, REINZ both regulated agent conduct and represented agents – a conflict criticized after high-profile cases of misconduct in the early 2000s. The government intervened to create an independent regulator (the Real Estate Agents Authority, now the REA), and ended compulsory REINZ membership for licensing. REINZ initially fought these changes. It lobbied against the bill, arguing the industry could self-police, and was accused of trying to dilute the reforms. The controversy peaked when Minister Cosgrove alleged REINZ might have struck backroom “deals” with the National Party to undo the law if National won power. Although REINZ denied any improper lobbying, it was widely seen as resisting greater consumer protection, which drew public criticism. Ultimately the law passed, fundamentally changing REINZ’s role – a humbling moment that forced REINZ to reinvent itself as a purely member-service and advocacy body rather than a regulator.
• Allegations of Political Collusion: Related to the above, the 2008 “deal” allegations remain a shadow on REINZ’s record. The Minister’s claim – that REINZ’s president told members a future National government would “suit the Institute” by reversing parts of the new Act – raised concerns about inappropriate influence. National Party leaders at the time confirmed meeting REINZ representatives but denied any quid pro quo. No explicit collusion was proven, but the incident underscored REINZ’s behind-the-scenes efforts to preserve its powers. This episode is often cited in discussions of unregistered lobbying in New Zealand.
• Consumer Complaints and Perception: REINZ has sometimes been viewed with suspicion by consumer advocates, who argue it prioritizes agents’ interests over home buyers/sellers. In the 2000s, complaints arose that REINZ’s disciplinary processes (before the REA existed) were too lenient on agents. Even after 2008, REINZ has occasionally been criticized for defending agents publicly in scandals. For example, when cases of licensee misconduct hit media, REINZ leaders sometimes cautioned against “trial by media,” which consumer groups felt downplayed legitimate grievances. Balancing industry protection and public interest is a perennial tightrope for REINZ, and it has faced negative press when seen as too defensive of poor practices.
• Data Transparency Issues: Another controversy emerged around market data control. REINZ historically was the sole source of nationwide house price data, which it sold via subscription. In 2016, RNZ reported on concerns that REINZ’s exclusive hold on data (like days-on-market, regional medians) could impede market transparency. Competitors and economists pushed for more open data, and eventually REINZ began collaborating with the REA on sharing sales information. While not a major scandal, it reflected pressure on REINZ to not unduly monetize information considered a public good. REINZ now provides its house price index freely online, but granular data access still comes at a cost, occasionally drawing criticism from researchers who want open data.
• Leadership and Governance: Internally, REINZ has navigated challenges including high turnover in CEOs (three chief executives in a decade) and the need to modernize a once “old boys’ club” image. The appointment of Dame Rosanne Meo in 2015 as Chair – a prominent businesswoman – helped professionalise governance. However, there have been whispers of tensions between elected member-directors and independent directors over strategy (e.g. how far REINZ should go in public advocacy versus staying behind closed doors). No public blow-ups have occurred, but insiders note that aligning a diverse board (from small-town Realtors to corporate franchise CEOs) can be difficult. REINZ’s decision in 2019 to support regulation of property managers (initially unpopular with some members) was an example of proactive stance that not all members agreed with, though not exactly a “controversy” in public, it was debated internally.
Overall, REINZ has largely avoided scandals in recent years, focusing on rebuilding trust after the 2008 shake-up. It remains occasionally at odds with consumer advocates (who push for things like publication of all auction results or tougher oversight of agents), but REINZ often counters by highlighting its training and codes of practice to lift standards. The dual role of being a lobbying force and an ethical voice for the industry is an inherent tension that surfaces in these controversies.
27. Other Information of Note
• Near-Monopoly on Industry Influence: With approximately 97% of agents as members, REINZ’s dominance is such that no alternative real estate trade body exists of similar scale. (A small separate group, the Independent Real Estate Agents of NZ, formed briefly around 2009 in opposition to REINZ, but gained little traction.) This means REINZ’s positions are often assumed to reflect the entire industry. Its market statistics are considered “official” by media, and its endorsement or opposition can significantly sway housing policy proposals. For instance, government working groups on housing supply routinely include REINZ alongside state agencies. This unique quasi-cartel position has benefits (a unified industry voice) but also attracts scrutiny regarding whether such a powerful body adequately balances public interest.
• Role in Education: REINZ historically acted as an educator through the Real Estate Institute of NZ Training Centre, which was the main pathway to become a licensed agent until 2010. After regulatory changes, independent providers took over pre-licensing education, but REINZ remains heavily involved in continuing professional development (CPD). It offers dozens of courses and an online platform for agents to meet annual training requirements. REINZ’s course material often sets the tone for industry best practices (e.g. courses on anti-money laundering compliance are developed in partnership with regulators). This educational role enhances REINZ’s influence over how agents conduct themselves, effectively allowing it to propagate professional standards outside of direct regulation.
• Data and Research Capacity: REINZ is the custodian of over 25 years of property sales data in New Zealand. Its databases, covering sale prices, volumes, and property details, are extensively used by institutions. The Reserve Bank and Treasury rely on REINZ data for economic analysis, and the REINZ House Price Index (HPI) is considered a more timely market indicator than government valuation data. REINZ has a dedicated analytics team and in recent years has developed new indices (e.g. a rental price index in collaboration with Stats NZ). The organization’s ability to leverage data has also become a revenue stream (selling data subscriptions) and a policy tool (it can provide evidence-backed insights during lobbying).
• Commercial Ventures: To support its non-profit mission, REINZ has over time spun off some commercial services. The REINZ Member Services Ltd subsidiary handles things like form licensing (selling the official real estate agreement forms to non-members) and REINZ’s shareholding in Realestate.co.nz. REINZ once offered insurance and IT services to members via dedicated companies (e.g. REINZ Photographic Servicesfor property photography, and REINZ Members IT Services – now dissolved ). These ventures show REINZ’s strategy to vertically integrate services for the industry. While some were discontinued (indicating perhaps limited success outside core activities), others like Realestate.co.nz (a highly visited property listing website co-owned by REINZ) remain strategic assets that also extend REINZ’s reach into the real estate transactional space.
• Central and Local Government Links: REINZ’s leadership and members often cross-pollinate with public service. Beyond those already mentioned (Jen Baird, Euon Murrell, Kevin Jenkins), it’s notable that several past REINZ regional leaders became local politicians and vice versa. For example, REINZ life member Olly Newland served on Auckland Council advisory panels, and some MPs (such as National MP Stuart Smith) started their careers in real estate and were REINZ members. This overlapping of roles means REINZ’s network within government is informal but extensive. On local issues (like council regulations on property development), REINZ frequently works with Local Government NZ and council staff. Such ties, while beneficial for information flow, also raise potential conflicts – something the Integrity Institute monitors in terms of transparency.
In summary, REINZ is a century-old powerhouse in New Zealand’s property sector – a private organisation wielding public-like influence. It has evolved from a self-regulator to a modern lobbying and professional body. Its registry details show a complex of entities but an organisation ultimately accountable to its members. The information compiled above provides a factual registry of REINZ’s structure, people, and interests as a prelude to deeper analysis of its influence in New Zealand’s housing landscape.
28. Wage Subsidy Scheme Participation
REINZ received government wage subsidies during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, amid nationwide lockdowns, REINZ applied for the Wage Subsidy to support its staff. It was approved for approximately $168,000 under the scheme, covering 24 staff for the 12-week subsidy period. This was disclosed in media reports scrutinising why some industries (including real estate) took subsidies despite a quick market rebound. REINZ’s Chief Executive at the time, Bindi Norwell, defended the claim, noting the institute faced a 77% decline in activity during the lockdown months. REINZ did not volunteer to repay this subsidy after the property market recovered, which drew some critical commentary but no breach of rules (many real estate firms also retained the funds). The subsidy receipt is a matter of public record and signifies that REINZ experienced a sharp, if temporary, revenue drop in early 2020 (likely due to halted training events and lower membership fee intake). Aside from this pandemic-related support, REINZ does not typically receive government funding – it is normally entirely self-funded by membership dues and services.
Sources:
1. Kevin Jenkins appointed Independent Director & Chair of the REINZ Board, Hobson Leavy Executive Search, https://www.hobsonleavy.com/kevin-jenkins-appointed-as-independent-director-chair-of-the-reinz-board/
2. REINZ Chief Executive Resigns, Scoop News, https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU2503/S00175/reinz-chief-executive-resigns.htm
3. REINZ boss Jen Baird resigns to join Bayleys, Property Ticker, https://www.propertyticker.co.nz/reinz-boss-jen-baird-resigns/
4. The Real Estate Institute (REINZ) Celebrates 100 years, Scoop News, https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1512/S00175/the-real-estate-institute-reinz-celebrates-100-years.htm
5. The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) – LinkedIn page, LinkedIn, https://nz.linkedin.com/company/reinz
6. Annual amount spent with all suppliers for the 2021/2022 financial year (Treasury OIA response), New Zealand Treasury, https://www.treasury.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2022-10/oia-20210330.pdf (see Real Estate Institute of NZ Inc)
7. Incorporation certificate number: 1927/3 (Currently Certificate 222891) – REINZ Annual Report 2016, REINZ (via reinz.co.nz)
8. Real Estate Institute of New Zealand Incorporated (REINZ) is a membership organisation with more than 17,000 members… represents approx 97% of the real estate profession, Privacy Foundation NZ (OIA submission PDF)
9. National must come clean over REINZ deals, Scoop News, https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0806/S00169.htm
10. Housing is hot – so why aren’t realtors repaying the wage subsidy?, The Spinoff, https://thespinoff.co.nz/business/08-10-2020/housing-is-hot-so-why-arent-realtors-repaying-the-wage-subsidy
11. ADLS/REINZ Release New Version of Agreement for Sale and Purchase of Real Estate, Lewis Lawyers (Insight article), https://lewislawyers.co.nz/adls-reinz-release-new-version-of-agreement-for-sale-and-purchase-of-real-estate/
12. Hon Dr Megan Woods: Diary Summary (May 2022) – Ministerial Diary, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (Beehive.govt.nz), https://www.beehive.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2022-06/Hon%20Dr%20Megan%20Woods%20-%20Ministerial%20Diary%20May%202022.pdf
13. Minister for Housing Chris Bishop says the Government is ‘liberalising the rules’… (REINZ speech coverage), Interest.co.nz, https://www.interest.co.nz/property/128561/minister-housing-chris-bishop-says-government-%E2%80%98liberalising-rules%E2%80%99-housing-market
14. REINZ MEMBER SERVICES LIMITED (company profile), New Zealand Business Directory, https://www.nzwao.com/companies/reinz-member-services-limited/
15. Euon Murrell – Tommy’s Real Estate, Tommy’s (agent profile), https://www.tommys.co.nz/profile/euon-murrell/ (notes Porirua Council service)
16. REINZ Awards for Excellence saw 45 awards handed out…, Real Estate Today New Zealand, https://www.realestatetodaynewzealand.com (2023 Awards coverage)
Spot anything in this entry that is wrong? Please either leave a comment at the end or email, in confidence: bryce@democracyproject.nz