Meet the Contestants 2025

Sharni Bichan

I’m thrilled to be back for my second year competing at the LVDS! Last year, I walked in totally clueless but left completely hooked! I had the privilege of meeting some incredible people and witnessing what’s truly possible in this dynamic environment. It lit a fire in me to step up my game and push myself even further. This year, I’m diving straight into the heart of the auction action, soaking up every moment, and having a blast along the way!

0277 797 628
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Robert Tulp

Robert is a highly experienced auctioneer having called auctions in many areas & fields.

His experience dates all the way back to the 20th Century – making him ‘antique’ compared to some of the young guns now entering the industry! He still enjoys negotiating on behalf of his clients and testing himself in the competitive arena!

021 741 499
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Mark McGoldrick

Ten years of competition and a new Harcourts business to represent are milestones for 2025 but consecutive LVD Premier victories would be a nice one. Again the pursuit of Australasian glory is the ultimate; the elusive Holy Grail for Mark.

0274 388 933
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Greer Thomas

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 brings her stage energy to the auction floor and is focused on ensuring a relaxed, yet exciting experience is had when buying and selling. Excited to be driving her Auctioneer career to new levels in 2025.

0275 535 473
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Conor Patton

Conor is excited to reimmerse himself in the arena, and equally to catch up and learn from his colleagues. “Competition makes us faster, collaboration makes us better”, is the newest and most apt quote he has stolen (and it won’t be the last) to surmise his hopes and expectations for these days.

022 062 0681
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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
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Jack Sumich

Back for his third and final crack in the novice division at LVD, Jack has been cutting his teeth and honing his skills over the past 12 months. Though he is now calling auctions on a more frequent basis, marketing and selling property as an agent remains his day job. Jacks passion and ambition remains with an underlying focus on auction, with the goal of becoming a fully fledged auctioneer! Fresh off making last year’s final, and a podium finish at the 2024 REINZ comp, Jack looks to go one better and take home some silverware to start off 2025

021 0823 5539
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Dayle Barnes

With over 25 years of experience in sales and a lifetime passion for auctioneering, Dayle uses his energy and skills in the auction process to deliver the best possible auction outcome for the client or organisation. The Theatre of each and every Auction is different and Dayles Competitive nature born from hi long sporting career has him well placed to get the deal over the line nothing feels better than sealing the deal. Dayle has a genuine interest for creating opportunities for charitable organisations to raise much needed funds to assist them in their endeavours.

0275 727 609
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Tina Chamberlain

Tina is a dynamic force in New Zealand’s real estate auction scene. With a keen understanding of the market and an infectious passion for the auction process, she transforms each event into an exhilarating experience for bidders and sellers alike. Tina loves the thrill of the auction; for her, it’s not just about selling properties—it’s about creating connections and fostering competition in a high-energy atmosphere. Beyond her professional prowess, Tina is a dedicated advocate for women in real estate, inspiring others to embrace the excitement of the auction world. With her vibrant personality and commitment to excellence, she makes every real estate auction an unforgettable occasion!

0272 096 669
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Riley Malzard

Riley is a budding young Auctioneer working out of Christchurch for the team at Harcourts Gold. Riley revels in the exhilarating rush of Auctioneering, and loves the opportunity to compete against the best auctioneers in the country to sharpen his skills and abilities. With just one competition under his belt, he looks to raise the stakes this year and compete in the Senior division.

020 4171 3289
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Bridgette Andrews

With a tenure of 20 years with Harcourts, Bridgette brings an amazing array of experience and enthusiasm. She switched from Sales to Auctioneering 2.5 years ago and has never looked back! This is definitely the highlight of her real estate career. She is currently an Auctioneer with Harcourts Holmwood in Christchurch. She loves the excitement, spontaneity and adrenaline the auction process can bring and passionate about providing the best experience for everyone involved. This is her second time competing at LVD, she is a bit nervous at Sumichs questions and tricky numbers but feels a bit better prepared this year and hopes there are no spooky questions or chickens involved! (Summy I know a good tip for a racehorse, be nice!)

0274 805 955
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Ben McNab

Auctioneering captured Ben’s attention since entering the Real Estate industry in 2015. It brings the best parts of the industry into one room, on one day at one time. The excitement of interacting with bidders and extracting the best price for owners through the best method possible, gives an adrenaline rush like no other.

0274 277 232
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Maria Rosa

After two years as a real estate agent, I’ve realised nothing compares to an auction campaign’s thrill. The energy, strategy, and connection it brings feel like a natural fit for me. Stepping into auctioneering feels exciting and right—like the next step in my journey to grow and contribute to this dynamic craft. I’m eager to learn, inspired by the incredible talent in the industry, and ready to take on this competition as a proud step toward becoming the best auctioneer I can be.

021 0883 4181
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Paul Sumich

Paul is a creative and innovative real estate consultant based in Whangarei, Northland. Known for crafting high-impact, tailored marketing campaigns, he focuses on maximizing exposure for each property while maintaining a selective portfolio. Beyond real estate, he is an avid cyclist, runner and a fan of 90’s hip hop. “I’m here to cut through the transaction with you and create a roadmap to success. I want to give you that feeling that you’d like to have a drink with me when it’s all over, and not throw one at me… Cheers to that!”

021 606 460
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Kobe Rae

REIQ Novice Auctioneer of the Year 2024.Kobe brings a comprehensive understanding of the real estate market dynamics and an eye for detail to every interaction. He believes that communication and transparency are the cornerstones of a successful client-agent relationship and is committed to keeping you informed and empowered throughout the entire process.He takes pride in being a trusted advisor, offering valuable insights, strategic negotiation skills, and unwavering support to help you achieve your real estate goals. When he is not helping his clients find their dream homes, selling their much-loved family home, you can find him on the golf course, at the beach or playing a game of pool with his friends. Kobe believes in giving back to the community and strives to make a positive impact both professionally and personally.

+61 475 126 554
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Tom Lane

Selling rural real estate is Tom’s number one focus. Auctioneering is a sideline where he now regularly calls auctions for his Gisborne office. He loves working with the team and their clients to achieve results through the auction process.By attending the LVD competition and regularly calling auctions, it has helped fill the toolbox as an agent and grow him as a person. Tom says “He is looking forward to competing this year at LVD and taking his calling to a new level

0278 665 263
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Shane Cortese

Shane leads the Harcourts NZ Auction Division as National Auction Manager. A strong believer in competetions as a way of not only testing yourself against the very best, but ensuring you are up to date with legalities and current trends. Anybody serious about a career as an auctioneer will be serious about competing.

021 555 991
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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 12years 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 Queensland, a welcome 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.

+61 484 926 235
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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.

+61 466 229 880
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Elizabeth Costley

I’ve recently completed two years of auction competition experience and have been working as an auctioneer with New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty – Canterbury since June 2024. Last year, I was thrilled to be awarded the Rising Star from REINZ. This year, I’m focused on continuing to improve and refine my skills as I look forward to new opportunities for growth in the auctioneering field.

021 0248 0994
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Paul Tzamalis

Paul never considered real estate as a career growing up, but some sage advice from his mum led him into the industry. He did his apprenticeship with CBRE and during his time there, colleagues encouraged him to try auctioneering. Paul always pays particular attention to the human side of property sales. He takes a genuine interest in helping the agents he works with to grow and develop, and makes the time to really get to know vendors and gain their trust. He believes that we achieve the best results when we remember that real estate is a people business, and strives to do that every day with honesty, selflessness and empathy.

+61 433 880 110
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Zay Griffith

While our province is slow to embrace the Auction process I have found that those that trust in the process are generally very impressed. If not SOLD on the night under the hammer the result is not far behind with the sellers and buyers ready to complete the business. Coming into my 25th year in real estate, the skill to be an auctioneer was a challenge for me five years ago and while the competitions are intense events I have come to love them! I love the camaraderie of my Auction family, the lessons I learn, and the friends I have made.

0272 422 175
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Daniel Pengelly

After performing in theatre and MC’ing events all over the country for over 20 years, when Dan came to his first auction at Harcourts he knew he had found his calling. He is a passionate storyteller and loves meeting his clients, getting to know them, their home and their future plans. Once he knows their purpose and style, he tailors his tone and auctioneering to best serve them. Dan has excellent people skills and brings them to the table for all negotiations and strategy meetings. Dan is an Award-Winning Auctioneer, coming runner up Rookie Auctioneer in his first few months of real estate. He won the Open Division of the Harcourts Auction Championships 2023 and was the runner up in the REINZ Auctioneer Open Division in 2024.

021 127 6320
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Greg Brydon

Having grown up in a family with a strong property investment culture, it is no surprise that Greg’s interest in the property market runs particularly deep. His path into the industry started at a relatively young age and has involved roles in all facets of the industry from administration, to property management, to office management and now property sales. Greg is also a skilled negotiator and prides himself on clear and transparent communication to ensure that his clients are fully informed throughout the entire process from initial meeting through to settlement and beyond.. In 2023, The Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) also awarded Greg Brydon of Ray White Cheltenham the title of 2023 REIV Senior Auctioneer of the Year.

+61 431 799 938
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Daryll Roberts

Ah yes, auctioneering. The cut and thrust; the theatre; the drama! From the grit of a tight negotiation won by the art of persuasion and sheer force of personality to the slow, creeping horror of realisation that maybe (just maybe) you should have paid more attention in high school mathematics. The thrill and challenge of pushing oneself out of one’s comfort zone, because discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life. The satisfaction of being committed, not curious, because if you’re curious you’ll simply do whatever is convenient – but if you are committed, you’ll do whatever is necessary. What’s not to love? And thus a former Junior Champ is back for more!

022 300 7686
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Gavin Vize

Based in the stunning town of Wanaka, I bring several years of auctioneering experience to the table. With a passion for delivering results and a knack for energizing the crowd, I thrive on creating memorable auction moments that drive success. My commitment to excellence and clear communication has earned the trust of clients and bidders alike. Whether it’s a local charity event or a high-stakes property auction, I’m dedicated to maximizing value and ensuring every auction is a standout occasion. When I’m not on the podium, I enjoy Wanaka’s vibrant community and breathtaking outdoors.

021 0256 6759
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Aaron Ward

With experience as an MC and a growing passion for real estate, since joining Ray White Remuera in May 2023, I bring energy, professionalism and a talent for engaging audiences. Although I am yet to call an actual real estate auction, I know that auctioneering combines performance, strategy, and purpose, and I will thrive on creating competitive environments that connect people with opportunities. Every auction is a chance to make an impact, and I’m driven to help clients achieve their goals through the power of real-time negotiation.

021 622 807
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Nathan Gilbert

Auctioneering is always something I’ve had a strong interest in and something many people have often encouraged I participate in – as time has gone by, and my appetite for auctioneering has grown, the time has come to launch myself to the world of auctioneering and I couldn’t be more excited – I can’t wait for Queenstown and seeing where my journey takes me!

021 668 925
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Katrina Tombleson

Auctions provide an exceptional platform for achieving outstanding results for all parties involved. The transparency of live on-floor negotiations unparallels any other sales method. As an auctioneer, I contribute to the foundational work established by the marketing agents to secure a premium result for the sellers.Participating in another series of auction competitions, my objective is to keep the skills sharp, keep growing and surpass expectations.

0224 125 146
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Mike Brown

Love the Auction process, list 95% Auctions as a sales person. If your salesperson is not recommending Auction, give them the flick. We need to look after our Vendors, they are the ones paying our wages. Salesperson for approaching six years, have called a dozen Auctions and would like to run a full time Auction business.

021 461 986
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Prash Nayar

Prashanth ( Prash ) Nayar is the selling director of The Real Estate Times Agency with over a decade in selling and auctioneering real estate in Perth, Western Australia. With over 3 years of representing WA to the Australasian Competition, Prash is excited to participate in the LVD with the best in the field.

+61450491048
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Travers Smyth

Travers brings a fresh approach to the auction room. Known for his quick wit and rapport with bidders.Travers enjoys the thrill of the call and is proud to be a part of the Bayleys team. Having enjoyed some early success in his calling career, he’s looking forward to developing his skills and testing himself this year.

0278 728 377
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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 have met over the past 9 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
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Craig McNair

Craig joined the Barfoot & Thompson team in 2013 and has loved every minute of it since! He is really looking forward to catching up again with the other auctioneers and competing in this year’s competition.

021 554 110
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Jordan Sievwright

Jordan used to find it puzzling when auctioneers referred to auctioneering as an “art.” But now, heading into his fourth year in the role, it’s becoming clear: not everyone can do this job, and some truly excel beyond the rest. He likes to think he’s improving with every auction he calls. While he firmly believes there’s always more to learn, Jordan is confident he’s making the right moves to position himself among the best in the business. Time will tell if he’s right – but he’s ready for the challenge!

022 094 9645
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Brayden Coldicutt

Brayden’s love for auctioneering grows from year to year. From competing to calling, he loves every aspect of the auction process. Being the current Harcourts New Zealand Champion and a former REINZ Open Division winner, he believes his success stems from the auction fraternity and how helpful they have all been in seeing the next generation of auctioneers succeed. He is excited to be involved in the 2025 LVD’s once again and is proud to have been a part of the LVD World Auctioneering championships from day one.

0278 619 866
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Justin Haley

Justin, a seasoned real estate professional with two years as a national auctioneer, is known for his strong negotiation skills and results-driven approach, delivering top outcomes across New Zealand’s real estate market.

0275 955 202
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Emma Brown-Garrett

Emma Brown-Garrett is a real estate veteran with over 17 years’ experience, primarily in residential sales. Emma worked as a residential sales agent with some of Sydney’s most prestigious brands. Emma is a gifted speaker and presenter. Her transition into auctioneering was a natural progression and she represents one of the most exciting talents in the Sydney auctioneering space.

+61 415 473 450
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Ben Deans

Ben has been in the real estate industry for almost a decade and in that time represented over a thousand sets of owners either as a sales consultant or working as an Auctioneer. It is that breadth of experience that he will put to work for you, whether that be ensuring the optimal presentation and marketing of your property, negotiation or simply providing his frank advice on any property questions you may have.

021 662 883
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Duncan Good

Duncan Good is a Partner, leading Sales Agent and Auctioneer for Ray White Wanaka, leading a successful Auction Team in this popular Central Lakes market. Duncan sees these competitions as a great chance to benchmark against the countries best, while fine tuning his own Auction style.

0274488321
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Jack Barrett

With a love for property and a knack for negotiating deals, Jack embarked on his journey in real estate with a clear vision of making a lasting impact. His keen understanding of market dynamics and unwavering commitment to delivering results have solidified his reputation as a trusted and reliable agent. Named a finalist for the prestigious Young Gun of the Year award by the Real Estate Business (REB) in 2023, Jack’s dedication to his craft and exceptional talent have earned him recognition among industry peers.Joining the Apollo team, Jack brings a contagious energy and enthusiasm to the auctioneering space. His magnetic personality and genuine passion for his work create an engaging and dynamic atmosphere at every auction he conducts. Clients and colleagues alike are drawn to Jack’s positive attitude and unwavering dedication to excellence.

+61 450 071 996
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Richard Stringer

2025 marks a big year of change for Richard. After 20 years with Harcourts, 11 of those as a business owner of Harcourts Otago, he has sold his business and decided to concentrate full time on Auctioneering. As a consultant he was an auction advocate, and began calling auctions for Harcourts Queenstown in 2005. He went on to become Auction Manager for the group and now is thrilled to join the Apollo team. He is also relishing the challenge of stepping back into competition calling to challenge himself alongside his peers, and is always striving to learn and improve.

0274 541 205
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Hamish Drumm

Hamish is passionate auctioneer with natural style of encouraging bidders and buyers. He brings enthusiasm and humour every time he enters the Frey of the auction forum and especially looks forward to learning new technics and honing the Kraft of auctioneering. Hamish enjoys rubbing shoulders at LVDs with auctioneers from New Zealand and Australia who together strive to be the best in the business, enjoying the hunt to find the most talented auction caller(s)

021 867 368
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Andy Dye

After 20 years in the industry, both selling and branch manager, and now new manager at Bayleys Mt Eden, it’s time to add to the skill set and set a new challenge combining past vocations in TV, radio and live music and merge this with real estate knowledge to see if this amalgamation of skills gel into anything close to resembling an auctioneer with the ultimate result being the ability to call auctions for real. Plus, it looks like there is way too much fun being had, so count me in! With a run of charity auction calls under my belt, it’s time to step things up and have a crack!

021 795 655
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Aaron Davey

Aaron began his real estate career 21 years ago and attained his branch manager’s certificate after 2 years and in 2024 he attained his agency license. He is building a young team in his office and showing them the beauty of selling by auction. They are keen to list and sell auctions in 2025 and Aaron is keen to upskill and help them by dropping the hammer down.

0272 520 077
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Ryan Bradley

Ryan is now in his 7th year of Real Estate, Ryan is looking to combine his previous career in the media with his passion for property and step into the world of Auctioneering! Ryan works in the Bayleys Commercial & Industrial team based in Tauranga, covering the Bay of Plenty and South Waikato for both sales and leasing.

0274 722 865
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Kyle Siebert

Kyle has been in Real Estate since 2015 and is proud to represent Harcourts Holmwood in Christchurch. Kyle loves the thrill of embarking on a brand new bidding sequence and he can’t wait to see what 2025 has to offer.

0274387653
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Steph Bradley

Introducing Steph, a seasoned professional in the world of real estate, whose journey began in the early 2000s. From wide spanning roles from PA into management and agency ownership, Steph’s expertise spans every facet of the industry. Now, she’s found her niche in the exhilarating world of auctioneering with Harcourts Team Group in the Wellington region in a full-time capacity.

Driven by a passion for service, Steph is committed to delivering an exceptional experience and support for both sales consultants, sellers and buyers alike. Beyond auctioneering, Steph’s pursuits encompass a holistic lifestyle. From yoga, river walks, and exercise, to cooking up a storm, she finds joy in the simple moments spent with loved ones. Across all aspects of life, Steph ensures integrity and ongoing growth are her guiding principles.