Meet the Contestants 2023
Lisa Yardley-Vaiese
I’m so lucky, I absolutely love my job – having called over 1000 auctions now I feel I’ve created a solid platform in my chosen career. I relish the opportunity to get alongside & compete with other fellow auctioneers. We have a great camaraderie and it’s an exceptional arena to hone our skills and share ideas. I’ve attended every LVD competition – what a stunning location where you receive encouragement & support so you can continue to learn how to take your Auctioneering to the next level.
027 272 7840
[email protected]
Robert Tulp
Robert Tulp is a man who understands real estate. Since joining the real estate sector in 1992 Robert has filled many roles – Sales Consultant, Manager, Business Owner, Real Estate Mentor and Auctioneer – A career path that has taken him all the way to being the Director of the largest independent real estate Auctioneering company in NZ. He has called auctions in the residential, rural, mortgagee and commercial fields; and has won numerous Auctioneering awards including the inaugural LVD Auction Champs.
021 741 499
[email protected]
Mark Peter McGoldrick
A finalist previously, Mark has set himself the ambitious goal of 8 competition calls in 2023. A strong advocate of LVD, he has often touted that to win the Melbourne Cup of auctioneering, you gotta do the miles, and this is the optimal way to commence one’s campaign.
0274 388 933
[email protected]
Greer Thomas
Once your toes have been dipped into the Auction Competition world; it’s hard not to be addicted! Coming from a background in management and competitive sports, it’s no wonder the Auction method of sale was quick to resonate with Greer; Process + Procedure = RESULTS. Greer has enjoyed virtually six years riding the ‘roller coaster’ that is Real Estate, with her last two years becoming an auctioneer being her highlight. The thrill of the chase is what Real Estate is all about and Greer looks forward to the thrills of LVD and chasing down those numbers.
027 553 5473
[email protected]
John Phillips
After several years in Real Estate, I realised my true love was in fact Auctioneering. As much as there are obviously aspects of the list and sell role of a Real Estate Salesperson I thoroughly enjoy, I knew after my first auction sale , this was something I felt I could excel in. After putting it on the back-burner for some time, I took the plunge in 2021 and entered my first Novice competition with LVD, and am now thoroughly hooked, and keen to become an accepted member of the Real Estate Auctioneer fraternity.
0212558448
[email protected]
David Storer
David has successfully sold Real Estate via auction since his industry debut in 2003. He feels the combination of both overt competition and decision-making align well with the clarity of outcome to make it the ideal method of sale.
021 400 000
[email protected]
Conor Patton
Conor is effervescent with excitement for the opportunity to once more test himself against some of the ‘World’s’ best. As he is swanning off to the Northern Hemisphere whilst the REINZ competition will be on, Conor is keen to give his one hit-out for the year a good crack, whilst enjoying the inevitable camaraderie in God’s-own.
022 062 0681
[email protected]
Louis Mcdonald
With natural flair and a knack for engaging audiences, Louis’ interest in becoming an auctioneer piqued from the moment he started in real estate. A thriving real estate career has seen Louis conduct many successful auction campaigns in a variety of market trends. In 2021, his auction success was recognised and he was granted the opportunity to take to the rostrum. Louis enjoys the theatrics of the auction room and endeavours to create a comfortable atmosphere to in-still buyer confidence and entice spirited bidding. Aside from auctioning property, Louis enjoys conducting charity auctions for his local community.
021 0220 6850
[email protected]
Mike Brown
Mike Brown representing Harcourts Four Seasons, based out of the Hornby office. Third year of competing, called in 2022 at both Harcourts conference and LVD. Approaching four years as a real estate salesperson, have very much enjoyed the journey and keen to push harder towards my goal of calling full time in the near future. Love the Auction process and truly believe it is the best method of sale straight off the bat for my owners.
021 461 986
[email protected]
Mitch Martin
I’ve had less than two years in the Real Estate Industry, hailing from Queenstown since I was a young boy. I grew up performing musically so the stage doesn’t scare me as much as it should. However, I’m a true believer in immersing myself in the uncomfortable so let’s do this!
027 426 8989
[email protected]
Rob Doorey
With more than 3 decades worth of experience in the media and radio hosting, combined with nearly a decade’s worth of experience in real estate auctioneering, Rob Doorey is sought after real estate auctioneer in NSW and QLD Australia. Rob represents Apollo Auctions
+61 410 438 003
[email protected]
Frankie Mac
After his kilted appearance in the inaugural LVD comp, The Mac Is Back! For the last four years the Scotsman delved into some startup ventures. Clan Celtica, a Scottish tribal outfit of bagpipes and drums, was one such venture having toured Australia, winning the International Celtic Artist of the year by the Australian Music Awards. However the Mac is returning to wreak havoc again for agents looking for something different in an auctioneer. I welcome the reality that potential success is now down to less variables i.e. me. But, I’m not getting rid of the Scottish accent, we are one package!! So bring your portable Babblespeak device to tune into the dulcet tones of Frankie Mac.Its gonna be “Brawtastic” whatever way the wind blows!!!
George Yeoman
Born and raised around property, George has worked in the property industry since leaving school in a number of roles. Beginning as an assistant and working across research, agency, and finishing in auctioneering. George was acknowledged as a Rising Star at the 2019 REINZ auction championships dealing with the most complicated of bidding sequences. He conveys an approachable manner in the auction room to encourage buyers. With subtlety and suspense, his bidding style encourages hearty competition to extract the highest value for vendors. Now in his fourth year as a Bayleys National Auctioneer, George relies on his experience in a range of markets to extract the best results.
021 941 380
[email protected]
Jack Sumich
I’ve been in the industry for just over a year now and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, auction is the way, so now it’s time to start calling. After getting a business degree and then selling cars for 5 years I decided it was time to make a change, so I got my salespersons license and haven’t looked back. Love my golf and am currently chasing a sub 70 score. Looking forward to this next stage in my career.
021 082 35539
[email protected]
Tom Lane
Tom loves learning the craft of auctioneering, and is looking forward to having another crack at the LVD competition, with what he hopes to be an improved performance. In his day to day profession as a rural real estate agent, Tom is a strong advocate of auction’s, where there has been great success for his clients.A great supporter of his local community, Tom lives by his tagline “Proud to be here”
021 058 7018
[email protected]
Wayne Espie
The thrill of the chase is one thing but the satisfaction of the catch is even better! Having the opportunity to close a big gap in relative milliseconds in terms of the universe makes every Auction call another shot at a “hole in one”. Whether I am digging a Vendor out of a hole or making their wildest dreams come true matters not in the great scheme of things, I never let them walk alone.
Phone 028 090 7237
[email protected]
Shane Cortese
Competitions, always a challenge, but absolutely necessary if you are a dedicated professional. Being one of only a few dedicated full-time auctioneers he has a wide and in-depth knowledge of both the auction process (in-rooms and on-site) and the auction document along with a very clear, calm and precise negotiation manner. Shane has called auctions in all COVID alert levels and will confidently guide you through the Auctions Live and Zoom platforms. You can be assured that no stone will be left unturned in getting the best result for both you and your family
021 555 991
[email protected]
Aaron Davis
I love auctioneering and never truly knowing what is going to happen, which keeps me on my toes. Have been Auctioneering for over 10years and have never stopped learning. I really enjoy the cut and trust of the auction competitions which keeps me on my toes and stops me getting complacent. Now working for the corporate team with Harcourts NZ has been a welcomed change and forcing me to keep working on the legal/technical side of the business. Proud father of two and part time punter and Vegas connoisseur, I would give myself 4 to 1 on the tote, in a quality field. Golf game has been in decline with working weekends, but still really get a kick out of on-site Auctions.
027 275 6165
[email protected]
Nu Taramai
I’ve been in this industry for over 20 years and apart from pricing a property, this method is the only method that has remained the same. It is a very specialised process that requires a higher skill set that was not necessarily required when the market is buoyant. Now more than ever should Auctions be employed to halt the loss of a properties value as the real estate market trundles continuously downwards. Participating in this event is my commitment to the craft, learning from industry leaders, honing my skills in preparation for competing at such an elite level.
027 232 4611
[email protected]
Clarence White
Clarence, is a five-time winner of the Real Estate Institute of NSW Award for Excellence in Auctioneering (2014, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022), the 2022 Apollo Auction Competition winner and the 2022 Australasian Auctioneering Champion. Clarence spent 6 years calling auctions within leading networks before establishing his own independent auction business in 2018, subsequently joining forces with Paul Menck to form Menck White Auctioneers in 2020. Menck White Auctioneers are a team of four leading independent real estate auctioneers offering a premium quality auctioneering service for discerning clients across Sydney and Australia. Clarence works primarily with high performing agents across Sydney’s key prestige marketplaces in the eastern suburbs, inner west, north shore and beaches.
+61 418687372
[email protected]
Karin Attwood
They say the first step in dealing with addiction is admitting you have a problem. I admit that I am an Auction Addict. Since starting out in Real Estate, I’ve found myself mesmerised by the theatre of the auction room, the call, counting and the quick wit of the smooth-talking Auctioneers. So, what better way to learn even more about the auction process than to experience it from the other side of the lectern. Since the Matariki stars lined up for a once in a blue moon absolute fluke in the 2022 REINZ Novice division, propulsion into senior division (while still a true novice) gives me heartburn. However, always up for a challenge, and a few wines, and a conveniently timed booking at the Onsen Hot Pools, they say fortune favours the brave…. Go on, call me a number – I’ve been called worse!
021 779 576
[email protected]
Vincent Doran
Young, and with an eager affection for auctioneering, I come across the ditch as both a competitor and student. Keen to prove my worth and absorb all I can from the competition and the competitors. On home soil, calling auctions has become to highlight of every week for me. Living for the excitement, spontaneity and adrenaline the auction process can bring.
+61 4662 29880
[email protected]
Elizabeth Costley
I have been in real estate for 18 months and work as an agent for Bayleys Canterbury. With a background in theatre, being in front of a crowd is something I enjoy. Before real estate I was a fitness instructor that often spoke to crowds. Since starting in real estate I have always wanted to become an Auctioneer, so when the opportunity recently came up to attend two separate Auctioneer trainings with Mark Sumich and Conor Patton I jumped at it. This is where I realized auctioneering is really a form of art, I would love the chance to perfect.
02102480994
[email protected]
Paul Glover
After years of winning the award for ‘best under-bidder at an auction’ Paul though ‘if I can’t win the auction with a paddle, I’ll win it with the Gavel!’ and so began the journey of chasing the bid from the other side of the auction floor. Paul entered the exciting world of real estate, joining the excellent teams at Raywhite Carpenter Realty and Apollo Auctions. Recent Highlights were competing in the REINZ 2022 auctioneer competition and taking out the Rising Star win at the Australian Apollo Auctioneer competition 2022.
021 647 650
[email protected]
Justin Haley
All roads led to real estate for seasoned industry veteran Justin Haley, recently transitioning from a high-performance management position at the helm of Bayleys in Christchurch to a national auctioneering role based in the Upper North Island. Responsible for more than tripling the Bayleys auction business in the Canterbury region, Justin’s nuanced technical knowledge and ability to perform under pressure give clients the cutting edge.Few auctioneers come armed with the management pedigree and wrap-around real estate experience to deliver skillful negotiation strategies for clients.
027 595 5202
[email protected]
Ben Deans
Kim Spark
Kim is passionate about Auctions and believes strongly that the Auction process is absolutely the best way to market and sell property. Kim loves the unpredictability and edginess of Auctions and the fact that no two Auctions are ever the same, this makes the whole process really exciting. Kim consistently strives to be better as an auctioneer and this is what motivates him. Kaizen! This is why he has entered this competition.
021 839 244
[email protected]
Travers Smyth
Travers brings a fresh approach to the auction room. Known for his quick wit and rapport with bidders – be it online, on site or in rooms.Travers enjoys the thrill of the call and is proud to be a part of the Harcourts Cooper & Co team. Having enjoyed some early success in his calling career, he’s looking forward to stepping up and testing his skills in the Open Division this March at the LVD Auctioneering Championships 2023.
027 872 8377
[email protected]
Julia Rust
It’s one thing to make a speech. Then quite another to add in the legalities, count, recall and reconcile numbers all out loud in front of a crowd all the while being enthrallingly entertaining. Now that is a challenge to behold! On this journey, I am constantly learning and growing. I am inspired by and in awe of, this fraternity of Auctioneers that I have been lucky enough to meet over the past 7 years. All of them really loud, humorous people, that generously share this craft and a passion for us all to be better auctioneers.
021 489 169
[email protected]
Mark Morrison
Since entering the Real Estate industry in 2009, Mark has always had a passion for the auction process. He dipped his toes into Auctioneering in 2018 and 2019 at the HarcourtsConference and REINZ Auction Champs & walked away as the champion of the Rising Star category at the REINZ 2019 comp. Mark now calls full time at Harcourts gold in Christchurch.
021 027 20270
[email protected]
Gavin Vize
Gavin proudly represents Harcourts across the Southern Lakes and Central Otago, calling auctions in Wanaka, Queenstown, and Cromwell. With approx. 300 auctions called (across 5 years of auctioneering), the LVD presents a great opportunity to learn and benchmark the craft. 2023 is going to be a great year!
021 025 66759
[email protected]
Craig McNair
A Rising star winner at the 2013 REINZ National Real Estate Auctioneering Championships. Craig joined the Barfoot & Thompson auction team that same year. Having attended last 2 years LVD competitions, Craig is really looking forward to catching up again with the other auctioneers and competing in this years competition.
021554110
[email protected]
Emma Brown-Garrett
Emma is a real estate veteran with over 15 years’ experience, primarily in residential sales. Emma worked as a residential sales agent for 11 years in boutique brands such as Bickmore Hutt Realty, Oxford Agency and Di Jones. Emma is a gifted speaker and presenter. Her transition into auctioneering is a natural progression and she represents one of the most exciting new talents in the Sydney auctioneering space.
+61 415473450
[email protected]
Ben McNab
Auctioneering captured Ben’s attention since first entering the Real Estate industry in 2015. It brings the best parts of the industry into one room at the same time. Interacting with bidders in a transparent environment and never knowing what the end result will be, keeps the excitement alive. The drive to continuously learn, adapt and be better – both personally and for his team, keeps him on his toes!
0274277232
[email protected]
Isaac Jakobs
Isaac has not called any public property auctions although he has been involved in charity events, such as auctioning off a boxing glove signed by Muhammad Ali for over $15,000, and he secured a spot in last years LVD Novice Finals. Entering the competition Isaac seeks growth above all else to improve his skills as a future auctioneer. Isaac has a successful auction focused real estate business under EVES in Tauranga and with previous experience in radio broadcasting, Isaac believes his skill set will be a strong foundation for a prosperous auctioneering career to come.
022 045 8037
[email protected]
Bridgette Andrews
Those around Bridgette describe her as vivacious, results driven and above all else, a relationship builder. These qualities give Bridgette a drive that is second to none in a busy and competitive industry – to stay on top of the market and keep her finger on the pulse is something Bridgette prides herself on, and her clients reap the benefits. Not only does Bridgette consistently go the extra mile, she is level headed, honest, detail focused, and a consistent high achiever. With a tenure of 18 years with Harcourts, Bridgette brings an amazing array of experience and enthusiasm and has recently started to fulfil her goal as an auctioneer and is now part of the Holmwood Auction Team in Christchurch. Bridgette is a mother of two daughters, a role model with drive and ambition is definitely the example she is setting. She is looking forward to watching you all in Action at LVD!
0274 805 955
[email protected]
Jordan Sievwright
Before relocating to the beautiful Bay of Plenty, Jordan was reluctant to enter competitions, however was sure glad he got the push needed in his new role with EVES in 2022. His knowledge of the processes and attributes of a successful Auctioneer continue to grow and Jordan hopes to use skills he has learnt to produce some memorable auctions this year.
022 094 9645
[email protected]
Daniel Pengelly
Daniel entered real estate in June 2022 as an agent and auctioneer. Previously, he has spent the last 10 years leading some of New Zealand’s top professional theatre companies, and dramatically (pun intended) increasing their attendance and revenue. He has been an actor, director, event manager and Artistic Director. He holds a Certificate in Cookery, studied Management at Canterbury University and holds a Masters Degree from Victoria University (Directing). He is young in his real estate career and has been enjoying the guidance and comradery of the auction fraternity and was delighted and honored to get runner up in the REINZ Rookie competition in 2022.
021 127 6320
[email protected]
Hayden McCallum
Hayden has been part of the Country & Co in partnership with Bayleys rural team for the last 2.5 years after having been one of the founding partners of Bayleys southland 8 years ago. Hardworking a strong communicator with a real drive to succeed, hayden prides himself on ensuring the best outcomes for his clients. I have called only a small number of auctions very irregular over the last 5 years which has been on the back burner of late. I am entering this competition for the first time as I look to challenge myself, learn, listen and take the opportunity to further develop my auctioneering skill set from some of New Zealand’s best.
027 896 2644
[email protected]
Brayden Coldicutt
Brayden has been active on the stage since before he can remember and brings that same passion and joy into his Auctioneering. A former Novice Auctioneering Champion for Harcourts New Zealand and the current New Zealand REINZ Auctioneering Champion for the Open Division, Brayden is focused on providing the best experience for everyone involved during the auction process. He thrives on the mix of excitement and nervousness on auction day. Not knowing what each auction will bring gives Brayden a thrill and ensures that his quick wit and bubbly personality keeps everyone on the edge of their seat.
027 861 9866
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