John Bowring is a transplant from across the Tasman who has found his feet in New Zealand as a real estate auctioneer and golfing friend of ex-Prime Minister Sir John Key and rich-lister Rod Duke. Now the lead auctioneer for the Ray White Group in New Zealand, Bowring has over the last 11 years called well over 5000 auctions - not bad for someone who was once told he wasn't cut out for it.
Did you always want to be an auctioneer?
No, as a kid I always wanted to be a professional golfer. My old man played and I started when I was about three and a half. When I left school I went to the Sydney Golf Academy but eventually I realised I wasn’t going to be good enough to do it for a living and I left after two years. That was when I got into real estate, in property management to start with, and then selling.
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I came to New Zealand 13 years ago to go to the 30th birthday party of my best mate, Trent Quinton, who had moved here. I decided to stay for six months and I’m still here.
How did you end up calling auctions?
It was a progression from selling real estate, although I had always thought that if I ever did any kind of calling, it would be race calling. I have a huge passion for horse racing. But after I got into real estate, I became interested in auctions and I thought I’d try calling them for a while and see how it went.
An auctioneer I knew said to me, “Mate, you are not going to make an auctioneer. I wouldn’t do it if I was you.” Now every time I see him I say, “You inspired me, because you told me I couldn’t do it.”
Did it come naturally?
I have had to work hard but I have always liked calling. As a kid I used to put two boats in a stream and I’d be calling the race between them. Whenever I was where your voice echoed, like the shower, I would always be calling something.
I was in the debating team and acted in plays at school, which helped because there is a performance element to calling auctions.
Growing up, my old man always made sure we spoke to adults when we were introduced to them and looked people in the eye, which helps you to build confidence and to get good at talking to people. I do like to talk – my school reports always said, “Johnny talks too much and distracts others!” I’ve used that to my advantage.
Do you remember the first auction you called?
It was a house in Kitirawa Rd, Remuera, for Megan Jaffe [owner of Ray White Remuera]. I had been suggested to her by another agent, and I don’t think she realised it was my first one. But I think once I started she could see from the papers shaking in my hands that I hadn’t called any before!
Bowring says golf is a great way to break the ice and get to know people. He often plays with Sir John Key and Rod Duke. Photo / Ted Baghurst
I learned a lot from Megan. I’ve worked for other companies since then but it’s good to be back at Ray White. Megan is my number one client but also a good friend who has done a lot for me and my family. It’s good to have friends in this industry, because it can be cut-throat.
The other thing that is important is to have good mentors. That’s made a real difference to me.
Who are your mentors?
They include Rod Duke [managing director and deputy chairman of the Briscoe Group], who is a good friend and has been a big part of my life. He’s given me some great advice. John Banks [former cabinet minister and Auckland mayor] has been another mentor. I can ring him any time I like.
I’m also friends with John Key. I met him at a charity auction that I was calling when I started out. Afterwards he asked me to do a National Party gig for him and I ended up doing auctions for the National Party for about five years.
Do you play golf together?
We’ve had quite a few games. We usually play with Rod, who is a good friend of John’s, and another friend, Gerard Peterson [former executive director of The Warehouse and owner of Number One Shoes]. We talk a bit of business, but we also talk about just about anything. We’ve had some good discussions over the years.
John’s a very likeable guy. He’s actually very funny and probably the best public speaker I have ever heard. And he’s a good golfer too.
Bowring on the course. He says playing golf and calling auctions are similar. “I find that in both, you get into a kind of rhythm.” Photo / Ted Baghurst
Does playing golf help when it comes to business?
Definitely. It’s a great way to break the ice and get to know people.
Are there any similarities between playing golf and calling auctions?
I find that in both, you get into a kind of rhythm. When you are playing competitive golf you get into the zone and you can’t actually see people because you are so focused. It’s the same with an auction, you don’t see people other than the bidders, it is just you and them. It’s like you have blinkers on and you are completely in the moment.
Do you have any other hobbies?
I love horse racing and I own a few racehorses. I’ve got one filly that is doing pretty well.
My family keeps me busy. I’ve got two daughters, three-year-old Gigi and 22-month-old Indi. I’m teaching Gigi to play golf.
How would you describe your auctioneering style?
It’s quite relaxed. When I was starting out I realised there were a lot of auctioneers out there, most of them a lot older than me, and I had to be a bit different. So I decided to try to include a bit of comedy, if it is appropriate, and I think making people laugh helped me to get my name out there.
I’m a big believer in self-deprecating humour. I would never make a joke about someone in the crowd.
What’s the secret to being a good auctioneer?
Working hard and being dedicated to the profession. Being able to build a rapport with people and to read the room is important, as are good negotiating skills.
You need to be able to put on a show and always be at the top of your game, you can’t turn up and say, “Hi folks, I’m tired today.”
You also need to have a very understanding other half! My wife Carla used to be in real estate so she understands what the job involves. The hours can be very long. But because I absolutely love what I do, it really doesn’t feel like work. I am very lucky.
