The Auctioneer's Act 2013

The Act

Any goods or services that are sold by auction — including antiques, art, cars and livestock — are covered by the Auctioneers Act. The Act doesn't cover internet auctions that result in a contract of sale directly between the winning bidder and the seller, such as on TradeMe.

Definitions

Auction

An auction is a process where property of any kind, including goods, services and interests in land, is offered for sale by an auctioneer on behalf of a vendor. Bids are placed in real time, and the property is sold when the auctioneer indicates.

There's a full definition of auction in the Auctioneers Act.

Auctioneers Act 2013 — Section 4(external link)

For more information about auctions, see the Consumer Protection website.

Consumer Protection website — Auctions(external link)

Auctioneer

A person carries on business as an auctioneer if the person — in trade — charges a fee or a commission for, or requires the payment of any part of the proceeds of, a sale by auction — other than as an employee or agent of a registered auctioneer.