Chief Judge this year is Mark Sumich. He has been around the event as a competitor and judge for 20 years. With his unwavering confidence, he brings forthright opinions and scrupulous adherence to fair play, to the table. He is thrilled to oversee the pinnacle of New Zealand auctioneering and can assure competitors, judges, supporters and all members of our wider auction fraternity, that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that everyone gets their chance to succeed. It is imperative that a level playing field is created, where no one party should be seen to be advantaged. That necessitates a thorough scrutiny of bidder’s abilities to assist in the process of allowing them to recreate repetitive sequences in the Heats. He is aware that the Final is where people’s careers are on the line and he will demand the very best from his wider team. He wishes all competitors safe travels along with stellar performances and hopes Auckland can provide the forum for the very best skills to be shown.