- NZ Specialty Coffee Association

Introducing our newly formed Championship events committee.

We called for voices from around the country, especially with the regional comps coming through, and those voices are from Judge, Barista and Volunteers as a starting point.The scope of the work being about future proofing our industry events and streamlining the events on the day/s of them running. This work will be on projects like streamlining the guidelines and assisting in leadership of the days of the events and pre-online workshops etc. Making them more fun and community driven and less stressful for all. Then planning new events that our community want!We feel that it’s about the Championship events predominantly to start with, then other events and the community.

Commitment: For outcomes we see the group communicating via an hour long conference call every two weeks and then working on projects between. Your individual commitment is up to you, and like all committees and boards individuals may be more heavily involved in one or more projects or assist over all. We only ask for your time when you are able to give it.

Many asked can I be involved I am competing or Judging? The answer is yes! Nothing is hidden and we aim to be transparent in all areas of what we do. We need you all as you are the future of our industry, some of you have been around longer than others though, this is also an asset as you know what we have done in the past.

In its first year, we have pre selected individuals from around the country and from the expressions of interest form, and in future years involvement will be by application or as the group together chooses.

Please see the 2024 committee members: The group is large, we need diversity, and all of the group may not be available all the time.

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Michalina Sujewicz: Competitor, Judge

My name is Michalina Sujewicz, originally from Poland, and I’ve been living in New Zealand for the past 10 years. Back in Europe, I already worked in hospitality, but little did I know, I found a lot of joy in immersing myself in the world of coffee within the industry here.

My journey in the specialty segment has been rather diverse, ranging from roles as a barista and head barista to a coffee trainer and a member of a green coffee importer’s team. I’ve had the privilege of competing in and judging coffee competitions, and currently, coaching brings me a lot of fulfillment.

Sharing my coffee experiences on my YouTube channel and Instagram page, Coffee That Gives a Puck, is my way of contributing to others’ confidence in pursuing a career in specialty coffee. I aim to create a space on social media and in real life where coffee enthusiasts and professionals can come together to enjoy coffee and forge meaningful connections.

While the coffee industry can be both beautiful and challenging, my hope for this group is to provide encouragement and assurance to all coffee enthusiasts. Coffee events should be enjoyable experiences, even if victory isn’t achieved :)”

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Jaye Sanders: Competitor, Judge

Hey, here is a little bio if ya need one of meeee Hey I’m Jaye. I am the Head Roaster for Firsthand Coffee Roasters in Hawkes Bay. I have been on the coffee scene since I was about 15ish. So let’s just say a fair few years now. I caught the specialty coffee buzz about 8 or 9 years ago now and haven’t looked back. I’ve competed and judged in a few of the NZ competitions and had the best time. I’ve finally found my people and like minded people who enjoy nerding out over similar things. Feeling honored and excited to be a part of this committee and can’t wait to see what’s to come!

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Michele Thai: Judge, Volunteer

Hellooo here’s me little bio. Hi! It’s Michele here. I work in the industry in Auckland and have been involved in coffee for about 13 years now. I’ve also been volunteering with NZSCA since 2017. I loooove being a part of these events and contributing to the awesome NZ coffee scene. Real stoked to be part of this committee too so I can give back to the industry thats taught me so much! See you around! Michele

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David Huang: Competitor, Judge, Volunteer

Over the past 20 years, my journey through the coffee and hospitality landscape has taken me from the humble beginnings as a dishwasher all the way to becoming the proud owner-operator of several cafes and a roastery. This adventure has been incredibly enriching, filled with invaluable lessons that I’m eager to share, in hopes that they might light the way for others in our beloved industry. Through it all, I’ve come to recognize three core values as the pillars of success: People, Passion, and Persistence. These are the insights I wish to impart, to nurture a culture of excellence within the coffee community we all hold dear.Diving into the realm of coffee championships, I’ve seen these three pillars come vividly to life, encapsulating the very essence of our vibrant community:

People: The championships are a melting pot where baristas, judges, and coffee lovers unite, weaving a rich tapestry of shared enthusiasm. For me, it’s always been about forging connections, learning from peers, and reveling in our collective coffee journey. This sense of belonging and collaboration is the secret sauce to standing out in the competitive landscape.

Passion: Watching competitors immerse themselves in their craft has been nothing short of inspiring. Their unwavering commitment drives them to explore uncharted flavors, perfect their brewing art, and pioneer new frontiers. This zeal not only propels them to new heights but also motivates the rest of us to delve deeper into the wonders of coffee.

Persistence: The path to triumph in coffee championships is strewn with obstacles, testing every competitor’s resolve. It’s a path I’ve seen demand resilience, a willingness to embrace feedback, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. This tenacity is what navigates competitors through the challenges of competition, guiding them towards success.Coffee championships magnify these values, spotlighting the competitive fervor and the collaborative spirit that define our coffee culture. They celebrate the artistry, innovation, and the connections that knit our community together, inspiring each of us to chase our coffee dreams with all the dedication and joy in our hearts. Let’s hold these values close, support each other, and cherish our collective journey. Together, we’re not just forging careers; we’re cultivating a community that, I believe, will one day fill us all with immense pride.

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Ken Shi: Competitor, Judge, Volunteer & current NZSCA Board Member

Hi team, Ken Shi here, I’m always honoured to be part of the New Zealand specialty coffee community, as well as this time, the Championship events committee. Coffee is part of my life, I became a barista since 2005 till now, I’m still the backup barista of my FOH team. I’m a registered appliances electrician since 2016, deal with a lot eagle machines and home vbm/ rocket at the moment. I’m a coffee roaster since 2015 with huge support from Wyatt family. I’ve competed barista championship, latte art championship and cup tasters since 2012, had few high lights and became barista and latte art championship judge since 2017. We are extremely lucky to have such a great coffee community in NZ and have these legends like Emma Webster, Chris White, Kim Boyd, David Green, David Huang, Emma McDougall…always willing to share their passion and love, even sometimes their opinions can be very sharp and different, but I recon that’s the most valuable moment they are actually sharing their experiences and viewing from a bigger picture. Now it’s time to give back our passion and love to our community, and fully support our legends!

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Drew Mawson: Volunteer

My day job is as a Product Designer at a design consultancy (Pro-Dev), but at night (when I’m not playing roller derby) I’m an enthusiast home roaster and barista (and work the occasional charity event on a machine). I first got a bit serious about coffee back in 2011 when I bought an old commercial espresso machine (Rancilio S27), rebuilt it, and have maintained it ever since. I decided about three years ago that I needed to push things a bit further and had a “crack” at roasting with a very basic setup, and I’m really happy with what I’m achieving. After volunteering for the 2023 Barista Champs I was blown away with how much I enjoyed meeting the specialty coffee community and how welcome I felt, so I decided to give a little back and volunteer for the committee this year