New Zealand Real Estate Agent Faces 5-Year Ban for Refusing ‘Woke’ Training
Janet Dickson’s campaign stated, “The imposition of these mandates, infringing upon the fundamental freedom of conscience.”
A real estate agent in New Zealand is facing the risk of premature termination of her 30-year career for refusing a mandatory course on Maori culture and customs.
Janet Dickson is planning to challenge the Real Estate Authority (REA) in court after they threatened to suspend her license for five years due to her refusal to undertake the course, as reported by the advocacy group Hobson’s Pledge.
Ms. Dickson questioned the REA’s authority in mandating courses that are unrelated to the responsibilities of real estate agents, particularly on controversial subjects.
Ms. Dickson is pursuing a judicial review in New Zealand’s High Court to contest the REA’s authority to enforce mandatory courses, believing it is crucial to address the alleged overreach and potentially establish a precedent for other professional bodies.
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“The imposition of these mandates, infringing upon the fundamental freedom of conscience, requires immediate action.
“This (the judicial review) is essential not only to rectify the excessive use of authority in the present case but also to establish a precedent that will guide and inform the conduct of other professional regulatory bodies.”
Ms. Dickson’s campaign is requesting donations of up to NZ$50,000 (US$31,000) from the public to assist with a portion of her NZ$150,000 legal expenses.
Response from Other Parties
Don Brash, the former Reserve Bank of New Zealand governor and founder of Hobson’s Pledge, condemned the REA’s “draconian” regulations, claiming it was an effort to impose a singular worldview that does not align with the majority of New Zealanders.
“We do not want a specific worldview forced upon anyone.”
On the other hand, Bernie O’Donnell, a Poutaki Mātauranga Maori adviser at the University of Auckland, argued that it was necessary for real estate agents to comprehend Maori culture given the nature of their work.
“Maori are the indigenous people of this land, and in this contemporary world, we must make an effort to comprehend their viewpoint.
“Despite the extensive history of this land, people simply want to engage in business.”
