VIP Officials
Mark Sumich will lead a well-known panel of judges selected for their involvement within the Australasian Auctioneering community. We are proud to have a judging panel made up of business leaders. Our judges all share an equal passion for auctioneering.
Mark Sumich
Chief Judge
Mark is Chair of the REINZ Auction sector group. He has been involved in the competitive side of this craft since NZ commenced Auction competitions in 1996. After being a regular entrant, he moved into the organisational side of the competitions in 2012. Combined with a regular diet of actual calling and a passion for training budding callers, he is ideally placed to oversee proceedings as Chief judge and critiquer for this event. In the course of nearly 30 years of competition experience, he has been involved in events throughout Australasia and has witnessed the very best and plenty of average auctioneering. Mark has witnessed competition experience groom many of NZ’s callers and turned them into very fine orators and negotiators. While many underestimate the power of events with similarly-inclined performers, the very best in our country have not shyed away from the battle and Mark continues to prove that Events such as this are indeed the key to mastering our craft. While the ability to call an excellent auction remains the underlying aim, Mark acknowledges that “closing”, “negotiating” and “entertaining” are integral aspects of a well-rounded caller. We will find 3 winners and 3 runners-up, but equally all callers will leave this Event as a better auctioneer than when they arrived. Operation Adelaide is in full swing.
0274 909 814
[email protected]
Sabine Davison
While there are a few notable real estate credentials to her name, one of the things Sabine is most proud of in her career is championing an inclusive hopefully gender irrelevant attitude towards defining what makes a great auctioneer. Being instrumental in pushing the bar and the boundaries in this regard remains a thrill, as well as an ongoing challenge – given that in the wider real estate industry this ideal of ‘value equality’ hasn’t been fully integrated as yet. It is however encouraging to see we are on the way. “The LVD World Auction Champs are definitely a highlight of the competition season and always provides new levels for both competitors and judges. Exactly why they are a fabulous event that I love being a part of.”
0272 228 110
[email protected]
Peter Walker
Peter entered real estate in January 1987 and has worked actively as a sales agent during this time. After 32 years of selling real estate Peter prides himself on seeking to make a difference and in being committed to continued learning and improvement. Peter displays excellent communication skills, unless it involves communicating with his wife. His genuine approach towards customers and clients has enabled him to form strong long term relationships, Peter loves the competitive nature of real estate. Achieving the best results possible, working collaboratively with his owners and dealing with buyers with integrity is integral to his success.
+61 418 628 043
[email protected]
Lisa Yardley-Vaiese
Lisa considers it a true privilege to be involved with the LVD Auction Competition . After a decade of competing and achieving some real milestones in auctioneering, Lisa has decided the time to leave space for others to secure their spot in the upper echelons of the NZ auctioneering landscape.
The experience and growth Lisa has gained throughout her years – both competing and in her full time role as an Auctioneer – have been life affirming and purposeful. She holds immense gratitude for her auction mentors and peers as they all have contributed to her journey. Serving this fabulous fraternity is equally as important to her. Lisa wishes all the competitors good luck. Their courage to get in the auction arena is saluted and encouraged! I look forward to seeing you all shine in the auction amphitheatre
0272 727 840
[email protected]
Clarence White
Clarence has been a staple on the competition auctioneering circuit over the last decade. Based in Sydney, Australia, Clarence heads up the Menck White Auctioneers team who offer a premium quality auctioneering service for discerning clients across Sydney’s prestige marketplaces. Clarence is a six-time NSW Champion, the 2022 Apollo Auction Competition winner and the 2022 Australasian Auctioneering Champion. Clarence is passionate believer in the value of auction competitions and loves the opportunity to immerse himself amongst likeminded people who are also passionate about perfecting their craft.
+61 418 687 372
[email protected]
Jason Hussey
Jason is a recognized leader in the New Zealand real estate industry, with some 30 years around the industry he understands the critical role that auctions play in the market, and his company’s support for auction-related events reflects this. Trade Me is synonymous with vendor marketing and auctions throughout New Zealand. He has a commitment to fostering strong relationships within the auction community and Trade Me Property’s dedication to both the auction process and the professionals who drive it.
021 847 313
[email protected]
Roger Dawson
Roger commenced real estate in 1983 and after attending a real estate conference was soon attracted to auctions.He called his first auction (in Invercargill) in 1989 and in the ensuing years he has carried out a variety of real estate functions for various franchises and latterly as an independent auctioneer.After competing in many competitions, in recent years he has devoted time to assisting others to learn,visualise and develop into full time roles as auctioneers. I’m looking forward to being amongst and renewing old friendships with this wonderful bunch of humans.
027 433 3470
[email protected]
Grant Child
Since 1995 Grant has accumulated a vast amount of experience across all aspects of real estate. Having identified early in his career that the auction method of sale is the most transparent process for buyers and sellers he specialised in this field and 20 years ago he up-skilled and became an Auctioneer developing his depth of knowledge and experience even further. Grant’s passion for auction marketing has elevated him to the position of Auction Manager and Auctioneer for Realty Services Limited which encompasses the EVES and Bayleys brands across the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Taranaki and calls between 800 and 1000 auctions a year.
027 478 0988
[email protected]
Tim Obern
Tim is co-director of Apollo Auctions NZ. With over 9000 auctions called across his career he is deeply involved in developing strong auction cultures and utilising the auction method of sale as a ‘growth model’ for Apollo clientele. Tim believes that auction as a method of sale nationally is still in its infancy. Developing more auctioneers with high-level skill sets through events like the LVD Auctioneering Championship is vital to the ongoing growth of our industry.
021 970 307
[email protected]
Barry Litton
Barry Litton spent most of the 1970’s & 1980’s as a professional musician and started his real estate career as a tenant in Perth. The following 28 years were spent as a principal/auctioneer in the same company. Barry also chaired the REIWA Auctioneering committee for 7 years. As a contract auctioneer, he also acted as a state judge in the Australasian Auctioneering competition for many years. After relocating to Queenstown in 2015, Barry now calls as a freelance auctioneer.
[email protected]
0275 164 777
Sarah Williams
I love auctioneering. I love an event. Infact, I will come to the opening of an envelope if you invite me. I support NZ auctioneering and have been where you are, and I know what it takes to get up there. This year as needs must, I will carry the bags, the pole and be there in a support capacity. I look forward to the after match functions where we will relive the events of the day with gusto and mop it all up in the bar. Its great to be involved with LVD once again.
021 326 343
[email protected]
Nathan Portelli
Nathan is a highly experienced professional with over 14 years in the Australian real estate industry. He joined Auctions Live in 2019 as Business Development Manager and has since been promoted to Head of Training and Customer Experience. Nathan is dedicated to helping clients succeed in the rapidly changing world of technology by combining his expertise in the property sector with a commitment to understanding their needs. He started his career at LJ Hooker and now works alongside some of Australasia’s leading PropTech experts. Nathan offers unique insights into client needs and integrates them into software solutions that provide a return on investment. He is passionate about aligning his services with client’s business goals and always strives to exceed their expectations.
+61 2 9086 9388
[email protected]
Maurie Mazzeo
Maurie is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of RE Software and its industry-leading product, Auctions Live – a world-class real estate auction technology platform that has revolutionised the way property auctions are conducted. With a deep passion for innovation and a keen understanding of the real estate industry, Maurie has played a pivotal role in shaping the digital transformation of property auctions.Maurie has been instrumental in developing cutting-edge solutions that empower agents, auctioneers, and buyers with seamless, real-time auction streaming and bidding capabilities. Under his leadership, Auctions Live has become a trusted name in the industry, known for its reliability, transparency, and user-friendly technology.Maurie’s commitment to excellence and his forward-thinking approach continue to drive Auctions Live’s growth, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the evolving property auction landscape.