Ned Allison from Harcourts Grenadier emerged victorious at the 2017 REINZ National Real Estate Auctioneering Championships, after two days of tough competition in Auckland.

The win came as somewhat of a surprise to the 26-year-old, who conducts 400 auctions each year for Harcourts.

"It came as quite a shock as I really didn't expect it," he told SCHWARTZWILLIAMS. 

"I was just very happy to make my first national final, and went into it without any expectations which was probably a huge help," he said.

Mark McGoldrick from Harcourts Canterbury (Ilam) was runner up in the senior competition. 

Tim Snell from Harcourts Cooper & Co East Coast Bays (Auckland, North Shore) took home the Colin Brown Memorial Cup ‘Rising Stars’ award, and Caleb Griffioen from Gold Real Estate, Christchurch (Parklands) was runner up in the 'Rising Stars' section.

In auctioneering competitions, competitors take part in a simulated auction. Competitors are delivered inentionally difficult bidding sequences, and are asked complex legal questions. Despite the challenging circumstances, competitors are required to retain their wit, charm and confidence, and to stick within a strict time limit. 

The competitions are more challenging than a real-life auction, as every element is designed to test the knowledge, skill and composure of the competitor.

Allison remained humble despite his win.

"It's all about what happens on the day," he said. "I certainly was far from perfect but did enough things right, and the others made enough errors, for me to take the win."

Allison said he hopes the win will  help build his credibility and reputation in the industry.

"Hopefully the main advantage will be for the agents I work with in helping them get listings and auctions over the competition," he said.

Mark Sumich, chief judge, said New Zealand auctioneers "are at the coalface of our industry" and are "the voices most heard on the streets and in the auction rooms around the country".

"They have developed into internationally acclaimed orators who really are showcasing this time-honoured trade with innovation, humour and skill," he said, describing the championship as a "tough" event.

Choosing the winner was difficult from such a strong field, said Sumich.

“Judging was extremely close and in the end, there was only one point between our winner, Ned and the runner up, Mark.

"As is always the case with this competition timing, engagement with the crowd and bidders, and ultimately salesmanship is what makes a great auctioneer,” said Sumich.

Bindi Norwell, CEO, REINZ congratulated Allison for his performance. 

"This competition is a tough and challenging one that requires high levels of commitment, training, courage and determination in order to succeed in this field," she said.

Both Allison and McGoldrick will now represent New Zealand at the Australasian Auctioneering Championships in Adelaide in September.

Read more about REI auctioneering competitions:

Justin Nickerson is Australasian Auctioneer of 2016

REINSW's Novice Auctioneers Competition kicks off

What makes a great auctioneer?