Estate agent’s email shocks

A real estate agent called a rainbow youth worker a ‘‘f ..... supporter’’ after she spoke out against a homophobic assault.

The real estate agent has since apologised, but the target of his comment is still disappointed.

On Sunday, Insideout’s managing director Tabby Besley told Stuff about an alleged attack on a gay couple during Wellington’s pride celebrations.

Insideout is a charity which supports LGBTQIA-PLUS youth.

Immediately after the news reports were published, Besley received an email, which Stuff has seen, saying: ‘‘You are just a f ..... supporter’’ (sic) – a homosexual slur.

She said the email left her shocked.

Stuff has confirmed the sender, Kim Gyton, is a licensed real estate agent and an independent contractor with Property

Brokers based in Wha¯ nga¯ rei.

Property Brokers chief executive Bill Highet confirmed it had received a complaint about Gyton’s conduct, which it was taking seriously.

‘‘The comment made does not reflect in any way the views of Property Brokers or its employees.’’

The company is considering disciplinary action, Highet told Stuff, but that process is confidential.

On Monday, Gyton sent Besley another email offering his ‘‘sincerest’’ apology. Gyton claimed he had been in a ‘‘bad space’’ as several family members had been ill.

Besley said while she had compassion for Gyton, she was disappointed with his response. ‘‘It doesn’t really provide any reasons for going out of your way to send such an email in the first place. Rather than just making a genuine apology it’s making excuses.’’

Bindi Norwell, Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) chief, said it had also received a complaint and had suspended Gyton’s membership.

Gyton said he was unable to comment while Property Brokers and REINZ were investigating.