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 has been around the NZ Auctioneering scene for nearly 40 years. Some accuse him of still having the same attributes of Auctioneers out of the 90s, but he is not easily swayed. Those hard-earned and cunning skills still hold him in good stead on the footpaths, yards and auction rooms of his clients. He has stepped into the realm of overseeing, training, mentoring and judging other auctioneers over the last 15 years. This has coincided with NZ’s incline in overall calling quality, to the extent that we now determine many of the auctioneering trends and benchmarks across Australasia. He is very proud to be involved in these ranks, both as a caller and then as someone promoting the Kiwi’s qualities. We all still need work, but that has always been NZ’s best trait – an acceptance that one never stops learning and that even a rookie can show you something. Mark’s pride in seeing his Senior colleagues perform so admirably at the upper levels does not dent his enthusiasm for the newest novice. He has been a big part of opening the pathways for the newbies to join this fraternity. LVD is another step on the way forward for all levels to hone their microskills under an environment where the competitive juices can flow. His role as Chief Judge is again to provide a level platform for all callers to showcase their wares.
0274 909 814
mark@sumichrealty.co.nz
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
sabine.davison@gmail.com
Peter Walker
Peter began his real estate career in January 1987 and has worked continuously as a sales agent, drawing energy from the industry’s competitive nature—especially auctioneering. After a decade competing, he saw how his background in behavioural economics, psychology and sales could add value to judging and strengthen the credibility of competition assessments. Since 2017, he has judged auctioneering competitions across Australia and New Zealand, valuing authenticity, respectful bidder engagement, and well‑timed light‑heartedness. Peter judges with integrity and fairness, firmly rejecting prejudice in any form. He advocates for diverse judging panels and actively supports greater representation of women in auctioneering. integrity and fairness, firmly believing prejudice and discrimination have no place in competition. He champions diversity among judging panels and actively supports increased involvement and representation of women in auctioneering.
+61 418 628 043
kmahar4@gmail.com
Lisa Yardley-Vaiese
Lisa considers it a true privilege to be involved in the LVD World Auctioneering Championships and looks forward to this awesome conference every year ! Being an open international event it is full of learnings, sharing and ultimately personal growth. With a decade of competing and achieving some real milestones in auctioneering, Lisa feels well equipped to now give back to this fabulous fraternity as a judge, mentor and cheerleader. Lisa is on the Reinz Auction sector group, the Austros Steering Group and in 2026 steps into the role of Chief Judge for the REINZ NZ auctioneering championship. Serving this fabulous fraternity is 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
lisa.yardley@harcourts.co.nz
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
cw@menckwhite.com.au
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
jason.hussey@trademe.co.nz
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 he up-skilled and became an Auctioneer developing his depth of knowledge and experience even further. Grant’s passion for auction marketing has developed over the years where he has called over 11,000 auctions and is now part of the Apollo Auction team. He’s always keen to share his experience and knowledge with fellow Auctioneers.
0274780988
grant@apolloauctions.co.nz
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
tim@apolloauctions.co.nz
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
sarah.williams@harcourts.co.nz
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
nathan@resoftware.com.au
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.
maurie@resoftware.com.au
Karin Attwood
Those who know me, know I’m extremely judgy. So it was only a matter of time before Sumich succumbed to pressure and made space for me at the table, next to the big bowl of Fruit Bursts. While harnessing unicorns and making dreams come true as a buyer’s agent, I love keeping auctioneers on their toes during their live calls. Therefore, like a phoenix from the ashes, I am thrilled and grateful to be part of LVD 2026 .I’m excited to watch the masters work their crowd, marvel at their numerical gymnastics and chortle with their clever wit, all while sending stone-cold chills through a few hearts while sitting stage side. Pressure makes diamonds and Auctioneering is one of the best mine(fields) All the best to the gems competing this year!
021 779 576
karinattwood@gmail.com
Rosie Stevenson
With 12 years in and around the world of real estate, Rosie has seen it all, without ever needing to sell a house – but still doesn’t know how to write a bio! Having kicked off her career in the Community Relationship team to one of New Zealand’s largest real estate franchises it was time for a change and after a few years of freelancing she has ended up finding a home as the BDM at ABC Photosigns for the last 4 years where her solutions-driven mindset, people-first approach, and love of all things real estate shine through every day. If anyone has read this far about little old me then come see me and we will do a deal for you.