The two roles sound similar and are constantly confused, but they sit on opposite sides of the transaction. Knowing the difference changes how you approach every negotiation.
Who each one works for
A real estate agent in New Zealand is engaged by the seller. Under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008, they are legally required to act in the vendor's best interests, to achieve the highest possible price and best terms for the person selling. That is their job, and they do it well.
A buyers agent is engaged by the buyer, and represents only the buyer. They hold no listings, and their obligation is to secure the right property at the right price for the person purchasing. In New Zealand this role is still relatively uncommon, which is precisely why buyers who use one gain an edge.
The conflict most buyers do not see
When you walk into an open home and deal with the agent there, you are dealing with someone who is professionally obligated to the other side. They are courteous and helpful, but they are not your representative. Any information you volunteer, your budget, your urgency, your emotional attachment, is information that can be used to the seller's advantage. That is not a criticism of the agent; it is the structure of the transaction.
How they are paid
A selling agent is typically paid a commission by the seller, as a percentage of the sale price, which means their incentive is a higher price. An independent buyers agent is paid by the buyer. Alistair Rieger works on a fee-only basis: no commissions, no referral fees from selling agents or developers, and all fees agreed with the buyer in advance. The incentive is aligned with getting you the right outcome, not a bigger number.
When independent representation is worth it
A buyers agent earns their fee most clearly when the stakes or the complexity are high: buying from overseas, buying off-market, navigating OIO consent or a visa pathway, competing at auction, or simply buying in an unfamiliar market where you cannot easily attend every viewing. For a straightforward local purchase where you know the area well, you may not need one. For most international and high-value purchases, the imbalance of having no one on your side is the risk worth removing.