Internet competition, cheap imports and an ageing membership is forcing the Auctioneers' Association to investigate ways to halt a decline in its industry.
The future of the traditional method of general auctioneering was discussed in Wellington recently at the association's 55th annual meeting and conference.
Membership extends to all facets of auctioneering and valuation including anything from arts, antiques and general chattels to militaria, livestock, vehicles and property.
The association said it was up against cheap imports from China, bulk warehouse-style trading, internet trading and the importing of containers of Indonesian furniture that eroded the value of a range of household chattels.
In light of the problems faced, the association is evaluating a National Certificate of Auctioneering and Chattels Valuation to attract younger people into the craft.
Re-elected auctioneers' association national president Bryan Andrews said as well as exploring formal education possibilities, it was in contact with the equivalent organisation in Australia.
"The Australians offer certification courses in Sydney and we will work through with them the possibility of similar training being available in New Zealand," Mr Andrews said.
Mr Andrews said the pool of potential general auctioneers had diminished with the change of style of the fruit and vegetable business from auction to non-stop brokering, and the fracturing of the multiple stock and station agencies of the past.
The creation of an Australasian association would also be investigated.
The changing industry has affected auction house Dunbar Sloane, which said in April that online competition from the likes of TradeMe and eBay was forcing it to restructure its Auckland business.
TradeMe general manager Sam Morgan said early this year the company's membership included about 250 professional traders and he hoped the number would be closer to 1000 by the end of the year.
- NZPA
Auction houses feeling pinch
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