Is Trade Me allowed to list real estate agents' licence numbers?

Under the Privacy Act, agencies must not collect or use unique identifiers (like a real estate agent’s licence number, IRD number, NHI number, etc.) unless the collection or use is for a purpose directly related to the reason for assigning that unique identifier.

Real estate agents are required to be licenced under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 (unless limited exceptions apply). Being issued with a licence number, and using this in their listings, is a way for real estate agents to comply with the requirements under the Real Estate Agents Act.

On this basis, the use of real estate agents’ licence numbers on Trade Me listings doesn’t appear to raise any issues under the Privacy Act.

For more information about the obligations on real estate agents, contact the Real Estate Agents Authority(external link).