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Real estate agent apologises over threat to vaccinated clients

A New Zealand real estate agent issued an apology after he threatened to jack up the price for vaccinated clients while giving those unvaccinated a discount.

In a since-deleted Facebook post on Thursday, Auckland-based Tim Webb wrote he was "formally protesting" by doubling his usual 2 per cent fee to 4 per cent for clients who have received the Covid-19 vaccine while giving unvaccinated customers a 1.8 per cent discount.

However, now the real estate agent has back-peddled on his offer after his post was widely shared and mocked on social media, saying he "crossed a line" with his post.

A screenshot of Mr Webb's post which reads: ''Effective immediately: As a formal protest, my usual fee of 2% for selling real estate is no longer valid. For vaccinated homeowners my fee is now 4%, for unvaccinated homeowners my fee is now 1.8%. Both fees attract the standard 15% GST. I am the agent of change.'
Tim Webb deleted his 'formal protest' after copping backlash from unimpressed Kiwis. Source: Facebook

Removes the offer — wants 'love not war'

Mr Webb posted an apology to Facebook on Tuesday, saying he wants "peace."

"I woke this morning with a heavy heart," he wrote.

"I love my country and the people who make it the best country in the world. No BS, I would die for each of you today, if I knew the division that separates our country ended tomorrow. I want peace.

"With that said, I'm removing the offer and stand I took yesterday because I'm aggravating the situation, rather acknowledging, accepting and embracing the disharmony and discord amongst us. We need love, not war.

"I apologise to you all. And I mean ALL of you. I crossed the line yesterday and that’s unacceptable to me, as it was for many of you."

A photo of Tim webb with a suburban background.
Mr Webb deleted his 'formal protest' after copping backlash from unimpressed Kiwis. Source: Facebook

Mr Webb also said he would be "scaling down" his real estate business, adding he hopes people will have: "Compassion, patience, love, respect and understanding" for each other.

"I choose to help people," he wrote. "Helping a lot of people, who want my help."

Chief executive of Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) Jen Baird told Newshub they urge members to follow the government Covid guidelines.

"Like all businesses across New Zealand, real estate firms are working through their health and safety risk assessments, considering the views of their teams and the perspectives of their customers and will make informed decisions about vaccinations in their workplaces," Ms Baird said.

New Zealand reports 94 more Covid cases

New Zealand has recorded 94 Covid cases on Tuesday, which is the highest daily Covid-19 case count of the pandemic.

The country has reached its 85 per cent first dose milestone with 65 per cent of its eligible population now fully vaccinated.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern urged Kiwis to continue to get vaccinated.

"We do have the ability to help keep cases as low as we can," she said.

"Please do get vaccinated ... and I will again reiterate the call to ask people to please follow the rules."

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