‘Our People’ are many and varied just like coffee itself.
In this feature, we would like to feature our volunteers! These folks help us produce events for our coffee community. This group has to be the most diverse group of people we know of and can come from all walks of life, not just cafes and roasteries. This group’s skill set and willingness to do what needs to be done without the spotlight being shone on them is second to none. They donate any spending hours, energy, and skills before or after the event. We salute you as we couldn’t do this without you all!
Thank you.
Keen to give back/meet coffee legends/get up close to the action?
Volunteer for NZ Cup Tasters Championship>
Volunteer for Meadow Fresh NZ Latte Art Championship>
Sarah Kennard
Company Suntory Coffee
What were you in a previous life? I’d like to think I was a turtle, cruising around in warm tropical waters with nowhere to be in a hurry.
What is your current role, what do you do on a daily? I’m a Key Account Manager – I’m the key contact between our larger customers and the rest of the Suntory team, fortunately, it involved lots of coffee drinking, unfortunately, it involves lots of emails, teams meetings, and phone calls, but I love it when I can get back on the coffee machine again.
What event/events did you volunteer at? I’ve done some cool stuff over the years, I started volunteering in 2012. Mostly the Barista Championships where I started out as a timekeeper and eventually graduated to Stage Manager, I volunteered at the WBC in Melbourne – where I was 2Ic stage manager and got to meet all of the competitors and witnessed Nick Clark taking out 5th – was a very proud kiwi moment. I tried judging in 2014 but that was stressful! My last event was NZBC 2021.
Why do you volunteer? Because I’m not competitive and would never compete, but want to be involved, I love being part of a team and it’s always fun when the coffee community comes together and if we have skills that are useful and can help, then why not?
What’s one thing that surprised you about volunteering? How much I want to cry happy tears for the competitors, I don’t even know half of them that well, but I still have proud mum moments.
What’s something that your learnt volunteering that you take into everyday life? In a small or a big way, you are helping to develop something, with coffee and the barista champs it’s about developing people – other volunteers, encouraging competitors, making them feel relaxed, at ease and informed. Communication is super important!
Does volunteering inspire you to compete? Ha-ha, no, not for me, but its so cool seeing the young volunteers coming in and so keen to learn more, I’ll continue to encourage them.
What feels important to you in coffee? It’s the ultimate tool for communication because there’s always a conversation to have over or after a cup of coffee!
What changes do you want to see in the future of coffee in NZ? Filter Coffee making a big comeback.
Person who inspires you most in coffee, do you have a coffee hero? Or is it just the coffee itself? I have too many heroes – all who have taught/guided me in coffee. But Coffee is the real hero, its what has brought us all together.
How are you brewing at home? I have a Moccamaster – with thermos flask and a little Baratza Sette 270 grinder, it’s got to be freshly ground.
What do you do for fun? I like being out on the trails in Wellington, either running the hills or hiking and my new mountain bike arrives soon – super excited!
What would you be doing on a weekend if you weren’t volunteering for the love of coffee? Lol, boring stuff! Cleaning and grocery shopping, with a run on Sunday morning and family time.
Instagram: sarah_kennard
An Nguyen
Company JDE Coffee
What were you in a previous life? My zodiac is mouse that could be my previous life as I can not sit still – I always need to do or make something.
What is your current role, what do you do on a daily? Sales rep.
What event/events did you volunteer at? Barista, Latte Art, Cup tasters.
Why do you volunteer? I want to be involved in the coffee community, mainly the goodies bag to be honest
What’s one thing that surprised you about volunteering? Lots of people are not in the coffee industry but love to be involved.
What’s something that your learnt volunteering that you take into everyday life? Be humbled, pay attention with small details, thinking on your feet.
Does volunteering inspire you to compete? All the time and not all the time as well after seeing all the hard work involved.
What feels important to you in coffee? Like NOKIA – Connecting people.
What changes do you want to see in the future of coffee in NZ? $5 for sml flattie becomes trendy.
Person who inspires you most in coffee, do you have a coffee hero? Or is it just the coffee itself? Mostly by the product itself.
How are you brewing at home? Old sunbeam for the family – they hate “sour coffee” btw, batch brew for myself.
What do you do for fun? I like to create drink recipes when I have time.
What would you be doing on a weekend if you weren’t volunteering for the love of coffee? Spending time with the kids, they are spoiled af – with alots of weekend activities ” typical Asian parents mindset”
Instagram: @annguyennz
Theresa Mumford
Company Altura Coffee Company
What is your current role – General Manager and Financial controller
What do you do on a daily? – Count beans, fight a paper war, marshal the troops, a little of this and that ….. Ironically the one thing I don’t do is make a cup of coffee at the Barista station.
What event/events did you volunteer at? I started volunteering in 2013 at the Latte Art championships. I have helped the amazing NZSCA team and the amazing Emma’s at Cupping events, Latte Art events, and the NZ Barista champs. I have also enjoyed volunteering as a score keeper at the World Barista champs (2013) and the World Latte Art (2014) champs when they were held in Australia
Why do you volunteer? Initially, I was pulled in, as there was a shortage of volunteers at an event in 2013, I wondered how I could help as I wasn’t a barista but came to appreciate how much work goes on behind the scenes to produce the event that members of the community see and everyone in these competitions makes NZ shine in the global coffee community. I really love the Coffee community that we have in NZ, the passion that everyone puts into the events, you meet so many people who you work with and learn from, who you wouldn’t have actually met if it wasn’t for these events
What’s one thing that surprised you about volunteering? Even though you are physically shattered at the end of the competition, the sense of friendship amidst the coffee community will always amaze me. You work shoulder to shoulder with representatives from other coffee companiesand some of the people I have met through these events are some of the most inspirational, kind and genuine people I have ever met and I really look forward to the competitions so we can all be together again.
What’s something that your learnt volunteering that you take into everyday life? Attention to detail – the smallest details make all the difference in the smooth, professional running of the event and the same applies to work and home life and also how to make a great whiskey sour.
Does volunteering inspire you to compete? I really admire the dedication of the competitors to their presentations but at this stage of my life I reckon I will stick to counting beans!
What feels important to you in coffee? The sustainability and successful future of coffee for future generations.
What changes do you want to see in the future of coffee in NZ? That all coffee roasters large and small who supply their product to the public are registered with a governing body such as MPI and are audited / certified to be playing by the same health and safety rules. We need to ensure that the standard of NZ Roasted coffee stays where it should be for our consumers and we continue to be a front runner on the world stage for quality and consistency.
Person who inspires you most in coffee, do you have a coffee hero? Or is it just the coffee itself? I cannot function without that first cup of coffee so coffee has always been an important part of my daily life! That all changed in 2005 when I joined Altura, to coffee becoming one of the biggest focal points in my life. Chris White has shown me an appreciation for coffee in all its forms through his passion for this company. He has the ability to empower others to immerse themselves in this industry and it has been a privilege to be a part of this journey.
How are you brewing at home? Soft Brew methods
What do you do for fun? Music marathons with my teenage daughter…
What would you be doing on a weekend if you weren’t volunteering for the love of coffee? Wishing I was watching the sunrise or set on a tropical island.
Instagram: @alturacoffee
Sue Denton
Company Beverage Services Ltd
What were you in a previous life? A turtle… (this literally was the first thing that came to my head) but I just imagine the turtles from Finding nemo being so chill and just swimming around with your friends all day seems pretty sweet lol.
What is your current role, what do you do on a daily? Head Trainer & Account Manager – visit/maintain our customer base across NZ, check compliance, basic maintenance on equipment & the best part training people to make excellent coffee.
What event/events did you volunteer at? Cup Tasters and NZ Barista Champs 21’
Why do you volunteer? To learn more about the events and surround myself with like-minded people
What’s one thing that surprised you about volunteering? The amount of connections you make with people that become real friends.
What’s something that your learnt volunteering that you take into everyday life? Don’t be scared to put yourself out there because you’ll never know your own potential without taking a risk.
Does volunteering inspire you to compete? As much as I would love to say yes, unfortunately, it doesn’t. My nerves couldn’t take it! lol. I love being on the other side of it though!
What feels important to you in coffee? Hmmm… Knowledge!
What changes do you want to see in the future of coffee in NZ? Recognition, respect, and reward for the true barista.
Person who inspires you most in coffee, do you have a coffee hero? Or is it just the coffee itself? EMW will always be a huge influence for me as she played such a big part in re-igniting my love for coffee. I also don’t tell him, but my big brother Jay is the reason I even had the opportunity to be in this industry. He was the one that first taught me how to make my first coffee when I was 13 years old and funnily enough he’s now my boss!
How are you brewing at home? Filter
What do you do for fun? I’m a geek at heart & love playing Call of Duty with my friends online. Shout out to my M!5FT squad!
What would you be doing on a weekend if you weren’t volunteering for the love of coffee? Spending time with my partner and niece or gaming!
Instagram: @suey_d27
Sam Low
Company: Freelance Food & Beverage Creative / Private Coffee Trainer & Consultant
What were you in a previous life? A Panda… Eat, Sleep, Dream and Repeat!
What is your current role, what do you do on a daily? Every day is different for me and would need to work with multiple brands on a weekly basis. I work with De’Longhi as a Brand Ambassador which requires me to think of strategies and content creation for Social media and EDM’s. I do content creation and communicate a lot with F&B marketing teams, just finished an ad campaign with New World recently. A little bit of Food & Beverage styling on the side as well as freelance barista work for some amazing people/businesses.
What event/events did you volunteer at? When possible I volunteer at NZ Barista Championships, NZ Latteart Championships, and Cup Tasters.
Why do you volunteer? To give back to the NZ Specialty coffee community, engage with the people that come to these events, and to network with like-minded industry leaders.
What’s one thing that surprised you about volunteering? The amount of passion that everyone puts into events and the immense amount of organizing that is required. I love seeing new faces at events.
What’s something that you learned volunteering that you take into everyday life? To reach out for help when needed, things are better with other people around you.
Does volunteering inspire you to compete? YES YES YES!
What feels important to you in coffee? It’s the thing I look forward to the most when I wake up every day. And knowing that others feel the same, allows for connection. Short answer, MAGIC.
What changes do you want to see in the future of coffee in NZ?
More conversations about coffee origins, more black coffee focussed roasting, and more education on specialty coffee from either universities, tertiaries, and roasters.
Person who inspires you most in coffee, do you have a coffee hero? Or is it just the coffee itself? It’s not a person that inspires me, it’s the community of passion. And also the amazing flavours in coffee…. mmmmmmmmm coffee…
How are you brewing at home? Long Blacks on my De’Longhi Espresso machine in the morning and a delicate V60 Pourover in the afternoon.
What do you do for fun? FOOOOOOOOD!!! I love cooking, being creative in the kitchen, sharing recipes, advocating for Chinese gastronomy. I love other forms of art such as dance, specifically dancehall, afro dance. Enjoy theatre and spoken word poetry. A bit of a film buff and when the world is right again… TRAVEL!
What would you be doing on a weekend if you weren’t volunteering for the love of coffee? Cooking, hosting dinners, watching shows and checking out new cafes/restaurants. Trying to live a flavourful life.
Instagram: @_sam_low_
Ben Hadden (aka Big B)
Company: Scarborough Fare
What were you in a previous life? I was a cat, sleeping all day.
What is your current role, what do you do on a daily? I am an owner of a cafe down in CHCH, I manage everything from the books, hiring of staff to the coffee machine and the food. I love my job to bits and wouldn’t change a thing. My favourite part of all is the people, staff and customers and getting to know their story and develop a strong relationship
What event/events did you volunteer at? NZ Barista Championship.
Why do you volunteer? I want to expand my knowledge of coffee, beyond what is necessary for making just a good coffee and volunteering seemed like a good place to start. I want to compete next year and thought that volunteering and watching would either scare me to death or drive me more to compete.
What’s one thing that surprised you about volunteering? The sheer kindness of all those involved, all the amazing people that were there are a family, welcomed me in and made me feel at home even though I had never met them.
What’s something that your learnt volunteering that you take into everyday life? I learned that even though I am busy with my job at the cafe, I should go out to more cafes/roasteries and get to know more people in the coffee scene because people are always happy to share their knowledge about coffee and I am happy to listen. Also I learnt not to talk to “Mean Emma’ when she has her stern face on.
Does volunteering inspire you to compete? Absolutely
What feels important to you in coffee? The relationships that are made to get a green coffee bean from across the world to my cup, and expanding that relationship.
What changes do you want to see in the future of coffee in NZ? More Local Competitions for coffee, and workshops.
Person who inspires you most in coffee, do you have a coffee hero? Or is it just the coffee itself? I just love to drink coffee, and want to drink more Exotic crazy different ones.
How are you brewing at home? Chemex/Espresso
What do you do for fun? Listen to Music, Walking and Gaming with the boys.
What would you be doing on a weekend if you weren’t volunteering for the love of coffee? Planning a trip away to Hanmer Springs to sit in the hot pools and clear my head.
Instagram: @scarbououghfarenz & @ben_hadden
Humaidi Ridwan
Company: Lamason Brew Bar
What were you in a previous life? I was originally from Indonesia and came to NZ to study at Vic University in Wellington. When I came to NZ, I did not have an interest in coffee, but after I met the indonesian barista in Wellington, Jaya Kusuma (ex-Barista at Lamason Brew Bar), it changed my perspective about coffee.
What is your current role, what do you do on a daily basis? I am a barista at Lamason brew bar which is famous for siphon brewing in Wellington. So making sure the customer gets the best coffee and service. and sometimes, taking photos while working.
What event/events did you volunteer at? NZ Barista Championship 2021 and Coffee In Good Spirits Throwdown 2021.
Why do you volunteer? Firstly, I love coffee, and secondly, I want to meet the people who have been working in the New Zealand coffee industry for years, learning from their experiences and networking with them.
What’s one thing that surprised you about volunteering? They are really passionate and love coffee shown by their dedication and contribution towards the NZ coffee industry.
What’s something that your learnt from volunteering that you take into everyday life?Making small contribution to community, and if you have something you can do, share that with other people, and spread positivity in community
Does volunteering inspire you to compete? Hmm, i think i’m not keen to compete, rather than collaborating with them and learning from the professionals.
What feels important to you in coffee? There is happiness in a cup of coffee when we serve the coffee with friends, family, and customers.
What changes do you want to see in the future of coffee in NZ? I want to see the NZ coffee industry get better and better from the hospitality aspect.
Person who inspires you most in coffee, do you have a coffee hero? Or is it just the coffee itself? He is Jaya Kusuma, He taught me about coffee from zero to hero. I’m really thankful to him for his dedication and contribution to Coffee.
How are you brewing at home? I used plunger or v60 to brew coffee, I want the simple one
What do you do for fun? Taking photos’s and enjoy a cup of coffee. It is a perfecto combination.
What would you be doing on a weekend if you weren’t volunteering for the love of coffee? Most likely I’ll be hanging out with my friend at coffee shop and taking photos
Instagram: @doshotz
Louis Oh
Company: Mojo Coffee
What were you in a previous life? I was at uni trying to figure out what I should do with my life.
What is your current role, what do you do on a daily? I am a barista at Mojo, I make coffee everyday.
What event/events did you volunteer at? NZ Latte Art Championship 2020 & NZ Barista Championship 2021
Why do you volunteer? I wanted to learn more about the coffee community in New Zealand and figured that one of the best ways to do so is to participate in volunteer activities.
What’s one thing that surprised you about volunteering? When I volunteered in both latte art and barista championships, I got to watch and learn so much about the system of the competitions and how each competitor prepared for their performance.
What’s something that you’ve learnt from volunteering that you take into everyday life? You are not alone and there are always people who will support you.
Does volunteering inspire you to compete? Absolutely.
What feels important to you in coffee? Happiness. Whether you make it or drink it, I believe that a good coffee can never be made or experienced without happiness.
What changes do you want to see in the future of coffee in NZ? There are many great cafe owners and baristas out there but I hope to see more people who are passionate and knowledgeable about coffee to accelerate the growth of coffee culture in New Zealand.
Person who inspires you most in coffee, do you have a coffee hero? Or is it just the coffee itself? Every single one of the baristas out there who are as passionate as me is a coffee hero.
How are you brewing at home? Mainly V60. My brewing kit includes; comandante C40 grinder, origami dripper, gooseneck kettle, scale and lovely beans from the specialty cafes in New Zealand.
What do you do for fun? I play music and do Taekwondo.
What would you be doing on a weekend if you weren’t volunteering for the love of coffee? Attend cupping sessions, catch up with friends who enjoy drinking coffee as much as myself at cafes, brew different coffee beans at home to find my favourite.
Instagram: @acoustic_barista
Dan Webster
Company: Ingot Digital Design
What were you in a previous life? I used to be in events management, before that a barista, before that a burger flipper, before that I just lived off the generosity of my parents.
What is your current role, what do you do on a daily? Designer and Project management for my Web and digital design business.
What event/events did you volunteer at? I love to MC barista champs, latte art throwdowns, and coffee comps. I also ran coffee cuppings in the past with the guild.
Why do you volunteer? It’s a way for me to stay connected in the coffee world and support and industry I love.
What’s one thing that surprised you about volunteering? The friends you make and the sheer amount of work involved in some of these large events.
What’s something that your learned volunteering that you take into everyday life? Volunteering can often get you out of your comfort zone, meeting new people, undertaking tasks you may not be used to. It gives you the confidence you can take into your everyday life.
Does volunteering inspire you to compete? Not compete per se, volunteering helps me learn more about the scene, competitors, and community and inspires me to bring more people into it.
What feels important to you in coffee? Balanced sweetness and acidity. But really it’s about the community behind it, celebrating success and innovation, making it accessible to everyone, and hyping it up like the screaming fanboy I am to see the industry grow and prosper.
What changes do you want to see in the future of coffee in NZ? An appreciation for paying more for better coffee, in a café or roastery. Helping the general populace understand the time and effort that goes into the quality and why they should be investing in it.
Person who inspires you most in coffee, do you have a coffee hero? Or is it just the coffee itself? Who doesn’t like James Hoffmann and his casual breakdowns of the industry, equipment, and methods. I love that he’s creating a platform where people can learn, make discerned decisions about their brew gear, and get inspired to try new things.
How are you brewing at home? Espresso, Aeropress and v60. I love to try any coffee I buy 3 ways, as they can bring out such different qualities in the coffee.
What do you do for fun? I love trail running and getting out hiking!
What would you be doing on a weekend if you weren’t volunteering for the love of coffee? If I’m not still working I’d be running in some woods somewhere, on a road trip or scrolling FB marketplace for a new potplant.
Instagram: @live.a.better.story