It marks the second time Andrew North has taken home the award, after winning in 2014.

WILLIAMS MEDIA caught up with Andrew in the whirlwind of his most recent success to find out how he prepared for the event, his advice for anyone entering next year, and what's next for him.

Congratulations on your win Andrew! How did you first get into real estate, and decide to become an auctioneer?

I started in real estate at the age of 22 after falling out of university, failing statistics three times. I had purchased a house with a good friend and loved the process, so thought I would give it a go.

I did my first auctioneer course at age 25, and would auction off teddy bears to raise money for the New Zealand Heart Foundation to warm up the crowd before the “proper” auctioneers would come on.

You just won the 2018 Australasian Auctioneering Championship. What did winning mean to you personally, and for your career?

This competition has been great for my career. This is the seventh time I have competed in the Australasian competition and only the second time I have won. So it means a lot as I have found it so hard to win. 

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The plan is to retire from competition auctioneering, so this is a fairytale way to finish.

How do you prepare for auctioneering competitions?

I have worked harder this year than ever before to be a contender. The numbers and adding side has always been my challenge, so that is where I applied the most focus.

I purchased a stationary book about six weeks ago and have been writing down ideas, when I am driving I add up the number plates of the passing cars, I have met with fellow auctioneers at least twice a week to get put though my paces.

I visualised the win, I have tried to get fit and healthy and be really happy.

Can you tell us about an interesting property you’ve sold?

People think that we are in the property business, but it is really the people business.

I certainly have plenty of funny stories that are probably best I don’t share about the people I have sold for!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Mostly the people. My wife might say “being the centre of attention” which I don’t deny I enjoy!

The hours can be long but there are very few days that I feel like I have 'worked'.

You’re from New Zealand. Can you tell us about the New Zealand market at the moment?

I am based in Auckland which has been a lot like your Sydney market for the last five years. Thankfully it has cooled a bit, and what I love about our market is that it is the best market for everyone.

Buyers can buy well and sellers can still sell well. Of course, that means the opposite can happen, but fundamentally we are still living in a city and country where people want to live. It is a beautiful thing.

What advice would you give to anyone entering the competition next year?

When I started there was no template. Now there is. Understand it's a different game to a real auction. Many auctioneers complain saying “that didn’t represent reality” and they are right.

In the competition there were bidders bidding $80,000 increases , $3,500 plus fifteen hundred, and so forth. 

Learn the rules and it becomes simple. Watch those before you and learn. 

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

From an auctioneering  perspective, I have been lucky to work with some amazing people. 

I have won the New Zealand competition four times and this one is right up there with real significance, as I feel this is the one that I have worked the hardest for.

From a career perspective, I am shareholder in Harcourts New Zealand's largest franchise group, being Harcourts Cooper and Co (I am the Co).

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I bought into the business in 2006 when the group only had four offices. That same year I got married, my wife Suzette fell pregnant, we sold our house, bought another, changed job, purchased shares in Cooper and Co. and then had our son in November.

I was 31 and didn’t know what was happening. In 2008 we got smashed with GFC and I remember my business partner Martin Cooper saying to me “there is nothing like the cool winds of profit and loss flowing up your trouser pants to get you excited about getting out of bed in the morning”.

Getting through that period -  a highlight.

What's next for you?

I am going back to managing one of our offices that needs re-building, it is close to my home and kids schools. I want to spend the next five years (while my kids still like me!) being involved in their lives. I will still call auctions, I will still be busy. 

I have a fantastic life which auctioneering has largely been responsible for. I am very grateful, and with regard to this competition I look forward to giving back, like I have been given to.

Related reading:

New Zealand's Andrew North is Australasian Auctioneer of 2018

Andrew North wins REINZ Auctioneering Championships for fourth time

Finalists to battle it out for Australasian Auctioneering Crown