Five finalists compete today for auctioneering glory

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Sep 8, 2016

Five finalists compete today for auctioneering glory

Two New Zealanders have made it into the top five for today's finals, which will determine the Real Estate Institute's 2016 Australasian Auctioneering Champion.

Image: Creative Light Studios.

The five finalists, left to right, Justin Nickerson (QLD), Andrew North (NZ), Harry Li (VIC), Daniel Coulson (NZ), Gavin Croft (NSW).
Image: Creative Light Studios.

Five previous Australasian auctioneering champions, left to right, Harry Li, Mark Sumich, Daniel Coulson, Peter Batrouney, Andrew North.
Image: Creative Light Studios.

Harry Li (VIC) in action.
Image: Creative Light Studios.

Justin Nickerson (QLD).
Image: Creative Light Studios.

The judging panel.
Image: Creative Light Studios.

Dan Coulson (NZ).
Image: Creative Light Studios.

Morgan Shearer (left), chief judge, and Quentin Kilian (right), CEO of REINT, the host of this year's even.

Today in Alice Springs, five finalists will battle it out for supremacy at the 2016 Australasian Real Estate Institutes’ Auctioneering Championships.

The five finalists are:

1. Gavin Croft (NSW)

2. Justin Nickerson (QLD)

3. Harry Li (VIC)

4. Andrew North (NZ)

5. Daniel Coulson (NZ)

Real Estate Institute of Australia President Neville Sanders said, “Harry Li of Victoria was the winner last year and the Kiwis want revenge this year with New Zealand’s Coulson and North strong contenders.” Li is attempting to become only the third winner to defend his title.

Blogger and former winner Mark Sumich wrote the first day of competition was "a day unlike any other in the 23-year history of this event."

He was referring to one contestant passing in the property, but still making it into the final five. One spectator commented it was one of the greatest controversies in the event's history.

Quentin Kilian, CEO of REINT and the host of the year's event, agreed there were some surprises this year.

"The heats of the 2016 Australasian Auctioneering Championships produced some surprises," he said. "Not only with the final line up but also with the way the contestants handled a fantastic script. What it did produce was some of the best auctioneering we have seen to date."

"This has been a magnificent event and everyone has enjoyed their trip to the amazing Red Centre," said Kilian.

Participants in the competition are expected to create momentum in the bidding, while building rapport with the crowd. The format is intended to test the Auctioneers' aptitude, attention and ability to think on their feet. Competitors must deal with a wide range of questions and unpredictable bids.

The competition combines skill, professionalism and technical knowledge; all candidates are highly accomplished, high-energy performers.

This morning the finalists toured the property that will be used in the finals.

The Real Estate Institute’s 2016 Australasian Auctioneering Champion will be announced at a gala event tonight.