Real estate agent Janet Dickson loses bid for Te Kākano exemption and faces licence cancellation

Janet Dickson’s attempt to avoid a compulsory Māori tikanga course has failed, leaving the real estate agent facing the possible loss of her licence and the end of a 30-year career.

Dickson argued that the Te Kākano course had little relevance to her work, carried political bias and conflicted with her Christian beliefs. She had challenged the lawfulness of the course for nearly three years.

Her exemption bid has now been rejected. Because completing the course formed part of compulsory professional development, Dickson likely faces cancellation of her real estate licence.