Janet Dickson, a real estate agent who is facing a five-year ban after refusing to complete a compulsory short course on Māori culture and tikanga has been let go by Harcourts Landed, Howick. 

Dickson received an email on Saturday evening from the Real Estate Authority stating, "Landed Property Group Limited has advised us that you've finished working with them on 23/02/24". 

The email followed a meeting Dickson had with Harcourts Landing managing director Shane Prasad on February 20 when she was told Harcourts head office wanted him to terminate the working relationship with her because she had become "an embarrassment". 

ZB Plus contacted Prasad for comment.  In response, Harcourts said, "Harcourts are making no further comment currently regarding Janet Dickson’s licensing status. We would suggest you direct your inquiry to the Real Estate Authority for clarity in this regard." 

Dickson objected to a one–and–a–half hour compulsory professional development course called Te Kākano. 

She was concerned an industry body could force its members to train “on a subject that is only peripherally connected to their job under threat of losing their right to work”. 

She’s now seeking a judicial review of the Real Estate Authority’s power to enforce cultural training for the country’s realtors. 

Te Kākano was one of two compulsory topics for new agents last year but is elective this year.  

“We have commenced the series with Te Kākano to provide licensees with an opportunity to develop or deepen their understanding of Māori culture, language and custom, particularly with respect to land, and an understanding of the historical context of Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” an excerpt from the course outline reads. 

“During each module you will move from a theoretical understanding to examples of the practical application of this programme into your workplace. You will have gained some background knowledge when the need arises to engage with Māori, local iwi (tribes) and hapū (sub-tribes), Māori land, sacred sites and how this could relate to real estate transactions.” 

Enlisted real estate agents must complete two hours of compulsory training as well as eight hours of training from a list of elective topics each year to retain their licence.