What is the difference between a licensed salesperson and agent in NZ?

What Is a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson vs Agent in NZ?
There are two levels of real estate licence in New Zealand. Here is what each means and why it matters.

The two licence types in NZ
Under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008, New Zealand has two types of individual real estate licence: Licensed Salesperson and Licensed Agent. Both are issued by the Real Estate Authority (REA) and both allow the holder to legally carry out real estate agency work in New Zealand. The distinction is primarily about experience, qualifications, and the ability to operate independently.

Licensed Salesperson
A Licensed Salesperson is the entry-level real estate licence. Salespersons must work under the supervision of a Licensed Agent at all times. They cannot operate their own agency or carry out real estate work independently. The salesperson licence is obtained after completing the required pre-licence coursework and passing the REA’s assessment. Most people entering the real estate profession start as licensed salespersons.

Licensed Agent
A Licensed Agent (also called a branch manager or a licensed real estate agent) holds a higher-level licence that allows them to operate independently, supervise salespersons, and act as a principal of a real estate agency. Obtaining an agent’s licence requires two years of experience as a licensed salesperson (or equivalent), completion of additional coursework, and passing a separate assessment.

What this means when choosing who to work with
Both salespersons and agents are licensed and subject to the REA’s code of conduct. The licence level is one indicator but not the only one, some highly effective agents hold a salesperson licence, while some underperforming agents hold an agent licence. Experience, track record, and local market knowledge matter more than the licence level alone.

How to verify a licence
The REA’s online register (reaa.govt.nz) allows anyone to verify whether a specific individual holds a current New Zealand real estate licence.
You can search by name and confirm the licence type and status. This takes 60 seconds and should be part of your due diligence before appointing any agent.

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Paul Sumich is a Whangarei-based real estate professional with local Northland expertise. Find more at paulsumich.co.nz/blog