Dunney's Canterbury Auctioneers - About Us

Licensed Auctioneer and long time broadcaster John Dunne has spent more than two thirds of his life on radio in this country, with near a quarter century of that time with NewstalkZB in Christchurch and also several years in the 1980's doubling as a presenter with TVNZ .

Dunne started in radio in the 1970's and has been a part of the breakfast radio scene in Christchurch in a couple of its most vibrant periods. First with the perenial Barry Corbett, who's since become a prominent Chch City Councillor, then a memorable 12 year on air association with Ken Ellis and Brian Ashby at ZB that brought them 7 consecutive No 1 ratings results, awards and accolades. John has also been a rugby commentator through 4 decades, begining in Timaru in the 70's. He gave up the commentary game in 2006 after 18 years of calling games exclusively from Lancaster Pk, aka known as Jade and AMI Stadiums. Having regularly been acknowledeged as one of the best in the country, he won the radio industry's accolade that year of best commentator. More recently John has been NewstalkZB's news presenter in Christchurch. He's now finished with ZB after 33 years with the one company.

Martin Heal has been a long time shareholder in a successful fruit & produce business. An experienced auctioneer in his own right he is also involved in supplying paper to the fish & chip and takeaway business. Heal is very much  " the brains " behind Dunney's and has an intricate knowledge & understanding of how the trading sector works. 

Both men cite their interests as family, friends, most sports - from a veiwing perspective only these days - also red wine ( of which Martin has a far more discerning taste ) and fishing. Heal especially is a well known boatie in Akaroa / Wainui waters and along with Dunne holds a skippers qualification. Heal dives, Dunne watches, Heal also cooks, Dunne trys !! They've also been known to push each other on a mountainbike to varying degrees of success particularly over some of the hills on Banks Peninsula. Martin's active on the Wainui resident's association, as was John for a time at Castle Hill Mountain Village. Most weekends will find one or t'other either on the water somewhere, or up a mountain...

As to the business of Dunney's Auctions, Martin Heal sums it up. " The fun and entertainment around the seriousness of an auction can't be underestimated. It's an experience for all to engage in and it's this inclusiveness that Dunney's offers and promotes ".