Marian joined Barfoot & Thompson in 1999 as a full-time Auctioneer and has never looked back. Fast forward to today, and she has called over 20,000 auctions whose collective value equals billions of dollars. She’s one of only around five female auctioneers in the real estate industry in New Zealand and has earned a reputation as an “Auction Goddess” able to expertly and confidently navigate multiple bidders while integrating online auction capabilities. Lively and engaging, she even once secured a paid acting role as an Auctioneer on the programme Shortland Street.
Born and raised in Auckland, her expansive knowledge of the region has enabled her to have an auction sale success rate envied by many. She has a keen ability to read the body language of the bidders, is quick-witted and thinks on her feet. Her years of experience are an asset to both new and seasoned vendors who can ask for her advice and guidance in how to best navigate the auction process. She prides herself on crafting an auction space that is both comfortable and encouraging. Her world-class auction talents keep things lively, while getting the job done.
She’s built a name around the charity circuit, volunteering her time for both charities supported by the company and many others including for Hospice and local schools. She mentors young women entering the industry and those taking part in auction competitions. Marian is also actively involved with Barfoot & Thompson’s in-house initiatives for females including International Women’s Day and the quarterly women’s panels.
David has been in the auction industry for over 43 years. He has called over 26,000 auctions for Barfoot & Thompson in the last 20 years, selling billions of dollars of property under the hammer.
"The advantages of an auction campaign are clear and backed up by facts and figures. Regardless of what the market is doing, auctions remove the uncertainty of fixed-price marketing.
"Selling your home is one of the most important financial transactions you will ever make. Make sure you give yourself the greatest chance of success - always auction!"
Murray Smith is an outstanding auctioneer with almost 30 years of experience in real estate and has handled more than 15,000 property auctions and innumerable auctions for various charities. He is a former National Auctioneering Champion and a finalist in the National Auctioneering Championships on numerous occasions.
An associate of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand and holder of a Diploma in Business Studies (Real Estate), Murray brings a wealth of property marketing knowledge to his role as an auctioneer and marketing advisor with Barfoot & Thompson.
Murray understands people and instils comfort. He understands the importance of each auction and what impact can it have on the lives of his clients. He tries to exceed the expectation. He also has a great sense of humor and he has the attention of his audience with his wide knowledge of many topics. After his day job, Murray has a passion for cricket, Formula 1 and music and he is part of a band "Soul Agents" he formed with his fellow real estate colleagues, where he plays guitar and sings.
Tony has been working in the real estate industry since the year 2000, and over this time has amassed extensive experience. Tony spent a number of years operating as a successful salesperson, before moving into auctioneering, both locally and nationally.
He also has experience in real estate office management, business development and training. Tony works closely with the salespeople in his area to ensure they are truly providing the best service to their vendors. A sense of humour, honesty and integrity have helped make Tony a well-respected auctioneer amongst his clients, colleagues and peers.
Craig joined the Auction team after six years as a successful salesperson with Barfoot & Thompson. He won a number of auctioneer awards before he became an auctioneer, including the Rising Star award at the REINZ National Real Estate Auctioneering Championships. Following this he has since become a senior finalist and Winner of the Barfoot & Thompson Auction Championships and continues to compete at the highest level in the premier divisions of the LVD World auctioneering and REINZ National Championships.
Craig’s real estate experience, combined with a diverse work background has given him a wide range of skills, the most important being people skills. His ability to connect, build trust and a positive relationship with those he works with ensures a great result for all involved. He describes his auctioneering style as being one of high enthusiasm and energy. Craig is committed to giving his very best to all our clients.
Zanlé's steps to becoming an Auctioneer began with Barfoot & Thompson’s Future Auctioneers pathway programme, followed by various auctioneering championships. She felt it was a challenging and exciting time and emerged from this to be offered the role of Auctioneer for the Bay of Plenty region. Zanlé has worked as a salesperson in the East Auckland area since 2021 and believes her people-first approach contributes to her success. Empathy for her client’s situation and working with them on an emotional level makes for an overall more personalised experience.
On a personal note, family is incredibly important to her – watching her 6-year-old son grow is a constant joy. She is a big hobbyist and is always on the lookout for new skills to learn and take part in. Zanlé rides horses, enjoys hiking and snowboarding and is always up for a new adventure. Last but not least, acting has been part of her career to date. Keep a look out – you might see her on film sometime.
I have always thought that experience is the best teacher. Auctioneers' patter and auction talk were always discussed at our dinner table. As a boy, I spent much time in the saleyards watching and listening to my father and his colleagues and learning many of their lines and sayings.
I have personally called almost 9,000 real estate auctions so you know that you are in good hands. As I have progressed through my career I had the opportunity to learn from and to work alongside, the best auctioneers and marketing professionals in the business. I firmly believe that selling via auction is the method that will secure the best market value for vendors.
Six years ago I introduced the Secondary Schools Auction Competitions to New Zealand which is an accomplishment of which I am especially proud. 2020 will be our seventh year of working with talented Senior Secondary School Pupils through this programme and it’s heartening to know that some participants have gone on to earn major awards.
I am intimately familiar with the auction process, terminology and best practices. Auctions have been in my blood my entire life so it is no mystery that I have made it my professional undertaking. My father was a livestock auctioneer, my uncle was a bloodstock auctioneer and my brothers and cousins are also in the field. I am here to help vendors, buyers and salespeople, and to me, there is no such thing as a silly question. I am glad to be a part of the Barfoot & Thompson auction team and look forward to continuing to let the hammer fall/bring the hammer down for this respected family-owned business.
For 20 years, I have been selling homes under the hammer as an Auctioneer. During this time, I have been involved in property sales across all real estate sectors in Northland. I am committed to achieving the best results for my clients and getting bidders engaged with the process. I have always ensured that my Vendors properties are looked after throughout the auction process.
In addition to my role as an Auctioneer, I also sell premium lifestyle and horticulture properties across the region. I am very fortunate to be considered one of the most experienced horticultural real estate specialists in the North and have sold many prestigious properties over the past 22 years.
I hold both my Real Estate Agents and Branch Managers Licence and have competed in the REINZ National Auctioneering Competitions on several occasions.
