Issues between a Registered Valuer and their client can arise from misunderstandings or a lack of communication.
If possible, you should raise any issue with the Registered Valuer concerned and seek a resolution.
If you are unsure whether you have grounds for making a complaint, or would like more information regarding the process, please contact the Chair of the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC), Steven Dunlop at chair@nzivpcc.org.nz who can put you in touch with an independent, senior member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers to discuss further.
Complaints against a Registered Valuer
The Valuers Act establishes a framework for complaints against Registered Valuers. Click here to search the Gazette for a list of currently Registered Valuers. Complaints cannot be made against a firm or company.
Any person may make a complaint in relation to the conduct of a Registered Valuer. The focus of the complaints process is to determine whether the valuer, in performing his or her duties, has complied with relevant provisions of the Code of Ethics of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers. Please note, no compensation is available through the complaints process.
The complaint will be investigated by either the Valuer General (VG), or NZIV who will then provide a confidential report on the matter to the Valuers Registration Board (VRB). The investigation and reporting phase may take some time.
Once it reviews the report, the VRB will decide whether to hold an inquiry into the valuer's conduct.
Occasionally they may request for further information to be obtained. If an inquiry is held it proceeds to a formal hearing, in public, with evidence given under oath. The case against the valuer will be presented by a lawyer representing the investigating body (the VG or NZIV). The valuer is usually present and generally represented by a lawyer. The complainant may occasionally need to be present to give evidence.
When the VRB has heard the evidence and submissions of both parties it will make a decision relation to the complaint. It may dismiss the complaint or impose certain disciplinary sanctions on the valuer. The VRB does not award monetary damages for loss a complainant may have suffered (that is the job of the civil courts).
Complaints should be in writing and clearly set out the background to the matter and the conduct complained of.
Complaints may be emailed to mdoyer@linz.govt.nz or posted to:
Valuers Registration Board
Registrar
Po Box 5501
Wellington 6140.
To find out more about the VRB please click here.
If you are a Registered Valuer subject to a complaint and would like mentor support, please contact the President of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers, at president@nziv.org.nz who can assign you to a Mentor Support person.
More information on the Mentoring Support Programme can be found here.
