Meet the Contestants 2026
Sharni Bichan
I’m in my third year of competing in auctioneering competitions and I absolutely love being part of them. As a band owner & a mum of five life is busy but these competitions are my happy place. They push me to upskill, sharpen my craft, and keep raising the bar. I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by passionate, generous professionals who support one another and share a commitment to excellence.
0277 797 628
sharni@refinedre.co.nz
Robert Tulp
Mark McGoldrick
There were murmurings and speculation that this double-current champion might be hanging up his gavel and joining the sullen ranks of the non-competing. But hell no! He’s back fitter stronger and leaner than ever before. Vape-free and highly motivated to dominate his fellow auction brethren and sethren, watch for Mark coming out of the gates in 2026 with some virulent invective.
0274 388 933
mark.mcgoldrick@harcourts.co.nz
Greer Thomas
Greer’s passion for the Auction process began at the very beginning of her Real Estate career, almost a decade ago. With minimal Auctions being held in Taranaki when Greer started out, she saw an opportunity to release a new style of onsite Auction combining her musical passions- which proved to be very effective. Greer has since turned her hand to the Hammer, alongside running successful marketing campaigns with an unwavering commitment to delivering results. Returning for the 5th year, Greer looks forward to sharpening her skills and abilities throughout the course of LVD.
0275 535 473
greer@arizto.co.nz
Conor Patton
Conor is excited to re-immerse 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
conor.patton@bayleys.co.nz
Jack Sumich
Back again for more punishment, but Jack knows it’s truly the only way to prove your worth in this game. Now living his dream as a full time auctioneer in the capital, Jack returns to LVD! A worse golfer, but a better Auctioneer, and this year competing in the senior division after his triumph in the Budding Star division in 2025. Ready and eager to keep moving through the ranks.
021 0823 5539
jack.sumich@icloud.com
Tina Chamberlain
Commanding the room with presence, purpose, and poise, I bring more than just a gavel to the floor—I bring energy, strategy, and connection. Known for my polished style and performance under pressure, I lead with confidence and deliver results with heart. As a seasoned auctioneer, I know success lies in reading the room, thinking fast, and staying five steps ahead—while making every bidder feel seen and every moment electric. My mission is simple: Elevate the moment. Engage the people. Exceed the expectation.
0272 096 669
tcauctioneer@gmail.com
Riley Malzard
Back for his second time competing at LVD Riley is keen to show his improvements over the past year, with the hopes of taking out the Senior Title. Riley is a 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
riley.malzard@harcourtsgold.co.nz
Maria Rosa
Having stepped into auctioneering only recently, first competing at the 2025 LVD before winning the Harcourts Novice Competition and being named Most Promising Auctioneer of the Year. Now a lead auctioneer with Walker & Co Realty in Queenstown, she balances the role alongside an active real estate career. Maria has a genuine appreciation for the auctioneering community and the high standards it upholds, seeing each call as an opportunity to learn, refine, and contribute to a craft she’s proud to represent.Maria Rosa stepped into auctioneering only recently, first competing at the 2025 LVD before winning the Harcourts Novice Competition and being named Most Promising Auctioneer of the Year. Now a lead auctioneer with Walker & Co Realty in Queenstown, she balances the role alongside an active real estate career. Maria has a genuine appreciation for the auctioneering community and the high standards it upholds, seeing each call as an opportunity to learn, refine, and contribute to a craft she’s proud to represent.
021 0883 4181
maria@walkerandco.co.nz
Kobe Rae
Fresh from securing the Harcourts Australia Senior Auctioneer of the Year title, Kobe returns to LVD for his second appearance. Following his achievement as a Senior finalist at Apollo in 2025, he is poised to launch the 2026 auction competition season with strength and confidence. As the Head Auctioneer representing Harcourts Queensland, Kobe brings unmatched energy, enthusiasm, and presence to the auction floor, and is fully prepared to deliver his absolute best throughout 2026. Beyond his accolades, Kobe’s approach to auctioneering reflects a refined command of performance, negotiation, and market psychology. His capacity to synthesise complex market signals, maintain audience engagement, and execute high-pressure decision-making underscores a professional sophistication well suited to the evolving competitive landscape.
+61 475 126 554
Kobe.rae@harcourts.net
Sam Steele
Head Auctioneer for Ray White New Zealand, Sam Steele uses his immense experience to add to Ray White’s already stellar auction clearance rate. Having called thousands of auctions nationwide and sold billions of dollars in value, Sam understands the complexities of each individual transaction. Sam enjoys the competitive comradery that competitions provide
027 864 3254
ssteele@raywhite.com
Michael Rebetzke
I love sealing those deals that do justice to great campaigns! Nothing beats witnessing vendors celebrate their top-dollar triumphs, buyers claiming their dream forever homes, first nests, or smart wealth-builders. I really enjoy highlighting the work of a team’s tireless campaign efforts and bringing deals together from the brink- they’re the great ones. Thrilled to be part of the LVD competition in 2026 for the first time!
042 038 2486
michael.rebetzke@apollopg.com.au
Stephen Reed
I love what I do and believe my passion shines through in every interaction. My energy and approach have been recognised with the North Shore Barfoot & Thompson Trailblazer Award and as a runner up in the Trade Me Trailblazer Awards. I am grateful for the success I have achieved so far but am always looking to grow and improve. Recently I have been focusing on expanding my knowledge and refining the art and skill of auctioneering. Real estate is more than a career for me it is a chance to connect with people and make a meaningful impact.
022 037 4919
s.reed@barfoot.co.nz
Will Tremain
With many years immersed in the real estate auction environment and a strong background in selling auction properties, he has developed a deep understanding of auction strategy, vendor expectations, and buyer behaviour. While this is his first time competing as an auctioneer, Elliot brings a calm presence, clear communication, and a genuine passion for the auction process.
0277 779 970
elliot.mackie@tremains.co.nz
Sean Wakelin
When I enter the auction room I bring a vibrant, high-energy presence, a unique “stage energy” to the room that keeps the crowd engaged and the momentum moving forward. More than just an auctioneer; I’m a strategic partner dedicated to your financial success. Thriving on the unpredictability of the auction floor, my mission is always the same: to turn every stone and leave no cent on the table. As a strong, confident auctioneer, I don’t just call numbers; I orchestrate an environment of confidence, blending sharp mathematical accuracy with a natural ability to read the room, ensuring every bidder feels heard and every vendor feels protected. This is auctioneering as a craft—where the theatre of the room is used purposefully to drive competition and extract the market’s absolute maximum value.
021 0818 8522
sean_wakelin@hotmail.com
Tom Lane
Tom is a full-time Rural and Lifestyle Sales Consultant and absolutely loves it. He’s also the Resident Auctioneer for Property Brokers Gisborne, calling regular auctions for the team and helping agents and owners secure outstanding results. A career highlight was calling a charity auction with the Prime Minister in attendance and getting the PM up to bid-spot. Tom loves the camaraderie of the auctioneering fraternity and the challenge of constant improvement.
0278 665 263
toml@pb.co.nz
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
shane.cortese@harcourts.net
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
vincent@crawfordoran.com.au
Elizabeth Costley
As an Auctioneer with Ray White – Next Step, I’m motivated by growth, strong performance, and achieving great results. For me, these competitions have never been about winning, it’s about becoming better each time I step up to call an auction. I’m always working on refining my craft, improving my communication, and learning from those around me.
021 0248 0994
elizabeth.costley@raywhite.com
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
paul@theauctioncompany.com.au
Zay Griffith
It is a privilege to belong to this fraternity of Auctioneers, and I am in awe of them for their class and courage. I continue to strive to learn from them and better my own Auction calls as our Office Auctioneer. Each time I enter a competition, I fight the fear of counting the numbers, each time I have survived and come out the other side a little wiser.
0272 422 175
zay@taranakiharcourts.co.nz
Daniel Pengelly
Daniel is an award-winning auctioneer happily based at Harcourts Holmwood in Christchurch and works alongside the Harcourts teams in Ashburton and Invercargill. Having spent over 20 years performing in theatre and MC’ing events all over the country, Daniel is a passionate storyteller and loves engaging an audience. He is also the Training Manager at Holmwood, where he enjoys coaching emerging agents to hone their skills and business.
021 127 6320
dan.pengelly@harcourts.co.nz
Greg Brydon
Greg Brydon is a highly regarded and award-winning auctioneer, recognized as one of the leading auction professionals across Australasia. With a deep passion for the art of auctioneering, Greg has built a reputation for delivering dynamic, high-energy auctions that consistently achieve outstanding results for his clients.
+61 431 799 938|
greg.brydon0@gmail.com
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 so last year’s Senior Runner-Up is back to chase gold!
022 300 7686
daryll.roberts@raywhite.com
Aaron Ward
Auctioneering is where performance meets strategy — and it’s where Aaron Ward thrives. With a natural presence in front of a crowd and a sharp instinct for negotiation, Aaron creates competitive environments that bring out the very best results for his clients. For Aaron, every auction is more than a transaction; it’s an opportunity to connect people with possibility. He understands that behind every bid is a goal, a milestone, or a new beginning. Driven, focused, and purpose-led, Aaron is committed to delivering clarity, confidence, and premium results under the hammer.
021 622 807
aaron.ward@raywhite.com
Nathan Gilbert
With a sharp eye for opportunity and a commanding presence on the auction floor, Nathan Gilbert brings energy, clarity, and precision to every auction. Known for his success as a top-performing salesperson at Harcourts Four Seasons Realty, Nathan combines market insight with the drive and charisma of a seasoned negotiator. Now stepping confidently into the auctioneering spotlight, Nathan delivers a seamless experience for both sellers & buyers – balancing pace, professionalism, and personality.
021 668 925
nathandbeck@harcourts.co.nz
Prash Nayar
Prash Nayar is the selling principal of The Real Estate Times Agency. He has won back-to-back REIWA titles which demonstrates excellence not by chance, but by consistency. Through his auction, he aims to bring presence, skill, and humility. “Auctioneering is a craft – and it’s one you never stop refining,” He aims not only to just call auctions; but to elevate the auction process for agents, sellers, and buyers across WA.
+61 450 491 048
Prash.nayar@apollopg.com.au
George Yeoman
Born and raised in Christchurch, and having just returned from an overseas sabbatical. I am back in to the auctioneering world, commencing a role as Bayleys Canterbury Auction Manager, after being in Auckland for 9 years, working in real estate through that period. With over 3000 auctions called and north of $2,000,000,000 of sales achieved under the hammer, looking forward to seeing more great results to come.
64 2194 1380
george.yeoman@bayleys.co.nz
Wayne Espie
As well as “yelling & counting”, Wayne still primarily lists & sells property on a daily basis, so he is passionate about encouraging ALL listing agents to list by auction as a “go to method” of marketing property. Whether calling his own auctions OR for another agent he gets the same “buzz” when knocking property under the hammer. He will never let the agent or the Vendor walk alone. YNWA!
028 090 7237
wespie.ponsonby@ljh.co.nz
John Phillips
Coming late into Real Estate, I realised at my first auction sale as an agent, I was hooked on the excitement and drama of the auction room. I spent a few years selling property by auction and was then fortunate to come under the wing of a New Zealand Auction legend, who trained me and then introduced me to Auction Competition. I enjoy the competition, but it’s more what I learn, and the fun I have with my auction colleagues, that keeps me coming back.
021 255 8448
john@adventures.net.nz
Justin Haley
Justin brings nearly two decades of real estate experience and three years as a National Auctioneer, delivering high-performance auctions nationwide. Renowned for strategic negotiation, market insight and consistent results across residential, commercial and development sectors.
0275 955 202
justin.haley@bayleys.co.nz
Hugo Hartles
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
travers.smyth@bayleys.co.nz
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 10 years. A humorous, fun group of people that generously share this craft and a genuine passion for us all to be better auctioneers. What began as just an idea for ‘me’ to have more auction comps in my life -to what the LVDWAC has now evolved into. I am so proud to be able to share it with all of you. For this I am truly grateful.
021 489 169
julia@apolloauctions.co.nz
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
cmcnair@barfoot.co.nz
Jordan Sievwright
Jordan is the Auction Manager for EVES Realty in the Bay of Plenty. He prides himself on his empathy, composure, and people-first approach, focusing on guiding buyers and sellers through what is often one of life’s bigger moments. He was the Senior Division winner at last year’s LVD Auction Competition and also claimed the Open Division title at the REINZ Competition. A strong believer in professional development, Jordan is stepping up a class this year, embracing the challenge ahead, understanding that real growth never comes from comfort.
022 094 9645
jordan.sievwright@eves.co.nz
Brayden Coldicutt
Brayden has been auctioneering for eight years and enjoys the competitive, fun, and camaraderie aspects of the auction competitions. He is a huge auction advocate for the Hawke’s Bay market and loves to get as many people involved as possible. A former REINZ Open winner and Harcourts New Zealand Auctioneer of the year, he is excited to bring some more energy into LVD 2026.
0278 619 866
brayden.coldicutt@harcourtshb.co.nz
Ben Deans
021 662 883
ben.deans@harcourts.co.nz
Richard Stringer
Richard heads up Apollo Auctions in the South Island region. It’s a role he is relishing, and he’s committed to delivering the best possible auction experience to his clients and their vendors. It’s the reason he’s an advocate for Auction competitions – an opportunity to test his skills alongside his peers, and to up-skill in his chosen craft. With 23 years of real estate experience, from sales consultant to auction manager and business owner, he is now fully focused on being the best Auctioneer he can be.
0274 541 205
richardstringer94@gmail.com
Andy Dye
Now the monkey is off the back from my first-year competing, it’s time to re-enter the fray to scratch the itch and learn from the best in the biz. Following 20+ years with Barfoot & Thompson, both managing and selling, I’m proud to be representing them in the senior division for what will be a ton of fun, serious number crunching and all-round punishment.
021 795 655
a.dye@barfoot.co.nz
Aaron Davey
Having never called an auction until LVD last year in Queenstown, Aaron now has a handful of “real auctions” under his belt and is looking forward to using some of the things he learned in Queenstown and gaining more knowledge from this event from the world class talent on show.
027 252 0077
aaron.davey@ljhooker.co.nz
Ryan Bradley
Ryan is in his second year of Auctioneering for Bayleys Bay of Plenty which compliments his role as a leading commercial and industrial broker across leasing and sales out of the Tauranga office. Having successfully competed in the REINZ Rising Star Division in 2025, Ryan is looking forward to stepping up and testing himself against the hot competition in the senior division in 2026!
0274 722 865
ryan.bradley@bayleys.co.nz
Kyle Siebert
After 10 years in real estate, Kyle is more enthusiastic about the auction method than ever. Last year he reached the LVD Finals for the first time — then promptly forgot every number but for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd — a performance he’s eager to make amends for this year. During the week, Kyle calls auctions for Harcourts Holmwood and manages 22 brilliant agents at the St Albans office. On weekends, you’ll usually find him on the golf course or in the bath.
0274 387 653
kyle.siebert@harcourts.co.nz
Mark Morrison
Mark Morrison is a Christchurch-based auctioneer with over ten years of experience within the Harcourts brand, including 6 years as a full-time auctioneer. Known for bringing energy and confidence to the auction room, he has a background in sales, recruitment and franchise development.
021 027 20270
mark.morrison@harcourtsgold.co.nz
Vincie Billante
A fresh face in auctioneering with a powerful foundation in public sector leadership, Vincie brings proven skills in public speaking and stakeholder negotiation to the auction floor. Known for building consensus among diverse community groups and delivering results under pressure, she’s driven by the electric energy of live auctions—that pivotal moment when preparation meets performance. For Vincie, the auctioneer’s role represents the ultimate convergence of hard work, human connection, and skillful persuasion. New to the industry but far from inexperienced in high-stakes communication, Vincie thrives on engaging with people and orchestrating successful outcomes when it matters most.
0274 388 326
vincie.billante@harcourts.co.nz
Elliot Mackie
With many years immersed in the real estate auction environment and a strong background in selling auction properties, he has developed a deep understanding of auction strategy, vendor expectations, and buyer behaviour. While this is his first time competing as an auctioneer, Elliot brings a calm presence, clear communication, and a genuine passion for the auction process.
0277 779 970
elliot.mackie@tremains.co.nz
Glen Foster
Tama Emery
Father to Amiorangi Warren-Emery and Ayvah Maraea Mereana Emery. Constantly working on being the best version of myself every day. I love meeting new people, building relationships and exploring opportunities.
021 0738 006
tamaemeryauctions@outlook.com