Judges Information
We interviewed our prospective judges for the 2024 Aotearoa Barista Championship about what motivates them to judge others.
We say prospective as all judges must pass a stringent calibration the day prior ensuring that they are fully fit and capable to judge our Barista fairly.
They attended specialised workshops involving pulling apart the rules, tasting, and acquiring judging skills from our world-certified and experienced judges.
Brew a coffee (it won’t be judged!) and read about the legends on our website. They donate their time, energy, and palates to one of the hardest and most fun components in the Championship.
Thank you, judges.
Time.
Adam Kyne-Lilley
How many coffees do you normally drink in a day?
Somewhere between 2 and 10. Depends on what I’m brewing up that day.
What you do for a job and the favourite part: Head Roaster @ L’affare. Seeing other people get excited and excel.
Why do you judge: It’s always so hard, so challenging, so much pressure.
How are you brewing coffee at home? Moccamaster, or tea. I’m trying to drink more tea than coffee at home.
If you’ve judged for a long time, what surprizes you the most? Passionate competitors.
Favourite song to brew to: I prefer silence when I’m making coffee for myself, but I rarely get it.
If you could goto origin, where would you go? I spent a lot of last week with a friend from PNG, so it would be great to go and see what’s happening there.
Best pastry to go with coffee: With a milky coffee then a Chausson au pomme, with a medium-dark roast black coffee then probably a cannele, with a light roast black coffee then a madeline maybe? Sorry if that’s a bit wanky but French pastries are so good!
How many coffees do you normally drink in a day? I drink 2-3, but might taste (and spit!) up to 50 or so?
Amanda Yong
What you do for a job and the favourite part:
I’m a barista and I love connecting with people over coffee – I’ve met so many people I don’t think I’d be exposed to if I was working in another industry, and I’m thankful for all the interactions I’ve had!
Why do you judge: to better myself, to be exposed to new experiences, to learn, to grow, to connect with others, to understand this side of the industry better, to taste yummy coffees!
How are you brewing coffee at home?
v60/origami!! it’s so fun to try different recipes and taste how it affects the brew 🙂
Favourite song to brew to:
alt/indie rock – I can’t pick a single song
If you could go to origin, where would you go?
Colombia!!!
Best pastry to go with coffee:
a plain croissant 🙂
How many coffees do you normally drink in a day?
1 or 2!
Andrew Feldon
What you do for a job and your favourite part: I run Mouthwater Coffee Company in Palmy. The best part is definitely the people!
Why do you judge: Woah, so many reasons, I have learnt so much on both sides of the judging table over the years, (and continue to do so!) and want to help pay it forward to others. Plus meeting so many amazing people in our industry I am so grateful for, is awesome.
How are you brewing coffee at home? Espresso mainly. With the odd Aeropress or Chemex in the mix too.
If you’ve judged for a long time, what surprizes you the most? There’s always something that challenges what we know of coffee. Which I love.
Favourite song to brew to: Life is Good – Justin Caruso
If you could goto origin, where would you go? Ethiopia. The OG and my first ah hah coffee moment was an Ethiopian Harrar.
Best pastry to go with coffee: Plain old fresh croissant with a long black. (Still warm out of the oven for bonus points)
How many coffees do you normally drink in a day? The rumours around my daughters circle of friends is that I drink 10+ a day…. (I haven’t really corrected them) the truth is its more
Caz Orr
What you do for a job and the favourite part: I work as a Barista Trainer and Account Manager for Kōkako Coffee! My favourite part is training new baristas and seeing them really getting into it and upskilling! I also love brew building our new coffees and experimenting with different recipes etc!
Why do you judge: I want to judge to be a part of the coffee community and learn from the people around me. Seeing the baristas present is so motivational and inspires me to want to do better in the coffee industry and learn more. It’s an amazing environment to be in and I feel so proud to be able to be involved!
How are you brewing coffee at home? V60s!
Favourite song to brew to: Days like this – Van Morrison!
If you could go to origin, where would you go? I would go back to PNG! It is such a unique and heart-warming place to be to see the people again would be amazing…take me back!!
Best pastry to go with coffee: Almond Choc toasted and it has to be with a filter coffee all day long!
How many coffees do you normally drink in a day? 2-3 but on QC days like 7 lol
Charlie Self
David Huang
David Huang is a prominent figure in the specialty coffee scene, particularly in New Zealand. He is the Director of Society Coffee Roasters and has been actively involved in the coffee industry since 2003. David is known for his extensive experience in various roles such as judging, competing, and volunteering at numerous coffee events, including the World Barista Championships (WBC). He frequently judges high-profile competitions like the New Zealand Barista Championships and is highly regarded in the coffee community for his knowledge and contributions.
In addition to his work with Society Coffee Roasters, David has been instrumental in mentoring baristas and competitors, helping them excel on both national and world stages. His expertise as a judge, particularly in sensory aspects, makes him a sought-after figure at major coffee events.
Frank Hsu
What you do for a job and the favourite part: I work in coffee roasting and business development for Frank’s Coffee. My favorite part of the job is sharing a delicious brew with people from all walks of life and witnessing their shared love and appreciation for specialty coffee
Why do you judge: I judge to stand alongside fellow coffee professionals outside of the work setting, during a weekend dedicated to celebrating our Aotearoa baristas as they bring their best to the championship. It’s an opportunity to cheer them on and celebrate their successes!
How are you brewing coffee at home? Espresso through LM Linea Mini
If you’ve judged for a long time, what surprizes you the most? What surprises me the most is the unwavering dedication and innovative concepts from seasoned veteran baristas, alongside the fiery passion, untapped creativity, and potential of budding baristas
Favourite song to brew to: Giorgio by Moroder
If you could goto origin, where would you go? Been to Colombia, would love to visit Ethiopia or Panama next!
Best pastry to go with coffee: Jean’s Bakery’s Croissant or Dirty Doughnut!
How many coffees do you normally drink in a day? 2 flat white, 2 espresso and 2 sips of different filter coffee.
Gin Kuo
What you do for a job and the favourite part: I work in a roastery, and do a bitta this and a bitta that.
Why do you judge: To learn and understand more aspects of coffee brewing and also to support competitors who are putting themselves through a significant learning challenge.
How are you brewing coffee at home? Soft Brewing on a daily basis? If I’ve got more time, pushing espresso.
If you’ve judged for a long time, what surprizes you the most? I’m a newbie.
Favourite song to brew to: Stillness, i find brewing quite therapeutic so it is part of my morning routine.
If you could goto origin, where would you go? Kenya
Best pastry to go with coffee: Croissant
How many coffees do you normally drink in a day? 6
Jaye Sanders
What you do for a job and the favourite part: I am the Head Roaster at Firsthand Coffee, my favorite part is tasting all the yummy coffee
Why do you judge: I judge because I enjoy helping other baristas excel in an area that I’m passionate about as well. It’s a win-win for both of us.
How are you brewing coffee at home? I have a 1 cup moccamaster at home or I brew using my V60 2 cup
If you’ve judged for a long time, what surprizes you the most? I haven’t judged for a long time but it’s been a good time.
Favourite song to brew to: I wouldn’t say I have a favourite song but I do have a massive brew playlist if anyone is in need of brew tunes haha
If you could go to origin, where would you go? To be honest, anywhere would be the dream, Colombia sounds amazing
Best pastry to go with coffee: A Palmier, flakes pastry with a sugar glaze. Chewy and crunchy at the same time and perfect for the dunk if that’s what floats your boat
How many coffees do you normally drink in a day? Well, I constantly taste through out the day, filter, espresso, mistake coffees hahaha so I’d say all cups about 5 maybe? I’m lucky coffee chills me out.
Joseph Stoddart
What you do for a job and the favourite part: Master Roaster and Green Coffee Buyer for Havana Coffee Works. Favourite part of my job is working with incredible coffees every day – after 25 years In the industry, it never gets boring
Why do you judge: never done it before !!
How are you brewing coffee at home? I brew all sorts of ways! – today I’m drinking: Island Sunrise, a new blend I designed – White chocolate and caramel sauce
If you’ve judged for a long time, what surprizes you the most? Never – don’t judge
Favourite song to brew to: Overstand – Dead Prez
If you could go to origin, where would you go? I’ve only ever travelled internationally to origin! My favourite is definitely Bolivia – Caranavi
Best pastry to go with coffee: Apple Strudel Coffee Cake- there’s no coffee in it
How many coffees do you normally drink in a day? Usually 4-5 , when I’m doing quality control or tasting – anywhere up to 14
Kayoko Nakamura
What you do for a job and the favourite part: I’m a coffee trainer. I watch so many people make coffee looking very nervous to start with then gradually gaining confidence and reaching their goals, and that is my favourite part of the job.
Why do you judge: We get to experience some of the very exciting coffees and get to witness the performances by passionate baristas. Every year I learn so much by meeting different people, and coffees, and just watching those performances.
How are you brewing coffee at home? I don’t brew coffee at home.
If you’ve judged for a long time, what surprizes you the most? How fast a year goes by…
Favourite song to brew to: Bad Habit by The Offspring
If you could goto origin, where would you go? Kenya
Best pastry to go with coffee: Shortbread
How many coffees do you normally drink in a day? 2 like 3 or 4.. (sometimes more)
Ken Shi
What you do for a job and the favourite part: Running a cafe and coffee roaster at the same time seems quite challenging. And my favourite part is the whole team can always support each other, we battle together
Why do you judge: Support our coffee community, and find our next world champion!
How are you brewing coffee at home?
I’m using an espresso machine which I bought 15 years ago. A cup of single espresso and a single piccolo will be a great start to the day
If you’ve judged for a long time, what surprizes you the most? Every year we will have some new faces come on stage, some of them are extremely talented, these young generations hold the key to our future coffee industry
Favourite song to brew to: “Waiting in the Weed” by The Eagles
If you could go to origin, where would you go? Definitely Brazil. Love the coffee and people there
Best pastry to go with coffee: Plain croissant
How many coffees do you normally drink in a day? Cupping day will be heaps coffee, otherwise 2-3 different coffees daily
Kerry Murray
What you do for a job and the favourite part: Operations manager and drinking coffee
Why do you judge: Because if I don’t Emma will hunt me down
How are you brewing coffee at home? Espresso machine, black coffee only, or pour over
If you’ve judged for a long time, what surprizes you the most? How everyone is there to support no matter what role you are playing.
Favourite song to brew to: Dunno really, I have very poor musical tastes…
If you could go to origin, where would you go? Would love to visit Peru or Colombia
Best pastry to go with coffee: Any pastry, any time
How many coffees do you normally drink in a day? not much, around 3-5 espressos and no more than 3-4 filter cups. Maybe a bit of cupping also
Khushboo Kothari
I’m currently Head of Coffee and Lead Barista at Hardware Société, and I also consult on coffee supply for all their stores. I’m really fortunate to be involved in the competition scene as well, judging at national and international levels. The best part about my job is the constant learning—coffee is ever-evolving, and there’s always something new to explore, whether it’s in technique, flavor, or culture.
I judge because I love being able to give back to the coffee community and help elevate it to new heights. It’s incredibly rewarding to see baristas grow and push the boundaries of what’s possible, and I get to be a part of that process.
At home, I like to keep it simple—usually brewing with a V60 or AeroPress. It’s a ritual for me, taking time to dial in the perfect cup.
What surprises me the most after judging for years is how much creativity and diversity still catch me off guard. No matter how much experience you have, there’s always someone who shows up with a fresh approach that challenges your expectations.
Hard to pick just one song but I like listening to Lo-fi/chill music.
If I could go to origin, I’d love to visit Ethiopia. It’s the birthplace of coffee, and I feel like it would be such a grounding experience to see where it all began.
As for the best pastry? I’m all about a buttery croissant with a magic—such a perfect pairing.
On a typical day, I usually have about 3-4 coffees. I try not to go overboard, but sometimes it’s hard when you’re constantly tasting and testing.
Michele Thai
What you do for a job and the favourite part: Barista Trainer. My favourite part of the job is being able to share knowledge and in turn, learning too! Also living in my car IYKYK
Why do you judge: To meet and work with like-minded humans, learn from veteran judges but also to see up close and personal each competitor’s hard work being played out on stage. Props to you all.
How are you brewing coffee at home? My baby pink Origami dripper or my Michele ceramics flat bottom dripper.
Favourite song to brew to: A little bit of Nujabes here and there.
If you could go to origin, where would you go? Vietnam and Hawaii.
Best pastry to go with coffee: Cinnamon Roll at all times!
How many coffees do you normally drink in a day? I cut myself off at max 2. Maybe a cheeky piccolo if I need a pick me up.
Mike Boyd
What you do for a job and the favourite part: Own a little coffee shop in Blenheim. Eat food, drink coffee and chat all day.
Why do you judge: To keep up with new developments in the industry and to experience the passion that baristas bring.
How are you brewing coffee at home? Usually, I drink tea at home and pop down to the cafe for coffee if I want one.
Favourite song to brew to: Vacation by dirty heads
If you could goto origin, where would you go? I would love to go to Colombia.
Best pastry to go with coffee: Pain au chocolate. If it wasnt a pastry i would have an afghan cookie.
Neil Ly
What you do for a job and the favourite part: I am an all-rounder at Society Coffee Roaster, my favourite part is helping customers have better coffee experience.
Why do you judge: I judge coffee championships to sip amazing espresso, celebrate coffee wizards, and enjoy a fun buzz with other judges while discovering the best beans around!
How are you brewing coffee at home? Espresso all day long.
If you’ve judged for a long time, what surprises you the most? Not sure 2 championships are long enough =))
Favourite song to brew to: Espresso lol
If you could go to origin, where would you go? Colombia for sure
Best pastry to go with coffee: My wife’s homemade sourdough
How many coffees do you normally drink in a day? I have stopped counting lol
Oliver Chen
What you do for a job and the favourite part: General Manager. Innovations.
Why do you judge: To understand more and connect with community.
How are you brewing coffee at home? Pour overs.
Favourite song to brew to: Peace and quiet.
If you could goto origin, where would you go? Colombia
Best pastry to go with coffee: None.
How many coffees do you normally drink in a day? 4-6 mix between filter/espressos
Richard Corney
What you do for a job and the favourite part: MD of Flight Coffee, favourite part of the job is the travel associated with coffee and my work.
Why do you judge: I’ve personally gained and learned so much judging over the years, both professionally and personally. I judge to give back to the community I learned so much from.
How are you brewing coffee at home? Filter via a Bonavita.
If you’ve judged for a long time, what surprizes you the most? 12 years – the constant innovation by competitors to represent themselves, their coffee and their interpretation of Coffee. It’s inspirational.
Favourite song to brew to: Rocket Man
If you could go to origin, where would you go? Back to Burundi. A truly special and unique country.
Best pastry to go with coffee: Anything Gluten Free!
How many coffees do you normally drink in a day? 4-5, probably 3 too many.
Stu Hargie
What you do for a job and the favourite part: Run Turning Point Coffee, pack bags and mop floors! Favourite part: seeing our customers grow.
Why do you judge: To support our industry, engage, share knowledge and grow with fellow coffee geeks
How are you brewing coffee at home? We have all the toys as my roastery is 5 steps from our house.
If you’ve judged for a long time, what surprizes you the most? That every year there is new ideas, themes and innovation
Favourite song to brew to: “Good morning friend” Johnny Cash
If you could go to origin, where would you go? Mmmmm to hard to answer, Ethiopia? I have never been, it’s a bucket list thing.
Best pastry to go with coffee: Sausage roll
How many coffees do you normally drink in a day? 10 plus, used to be more.
Chris White
What you do for a job and the favourite part: Run Altura Coffee and Running Altura Coffee (Sometimes)
Why do you judge: Emma made me
How are you brewing coffee at home? Chemex/Espresso whatever mode I’m in
If you’ve judged for a long time, what surprizes you the most? Emma’s hats
Favourite song to brew to: Def Leppard Pour some sugar on me
If you could go to origin, where would you go? Hawaii
Best pastry to go with coffee: One of each thanks
How many coffees do you normally drink in a day? Too many
Yejun Shim (Blues Shim)
How are you brewing coffee at home? I love using Hario Switch to brew at home. Simply pour 150ml water and throw in 10g of coffee and stir wait for 2 min. simple but best recipe at home
If you’ve judged for a long time, what surprizes you the most? Have not judge for long time but by looking at competitors, how creative they are. It is really inspiring
Favourite song to brew to: I got it Ogi
If you could go to origin, where would you go? Wanna explore Panama
Best pastry to go with coffee: Basque Cheesecake
How many coffees do you normally drink in a day? 1~6 cups per day
YuTing Hsu
What you do for a job and the favourite part: I currently work as the head barista at “Taper Eatery in Levin”. My job is ensuring that every cup of coffee I make is of the highest quality and that customers enjoy a delicious and satisfying experience. My favorite part of the job is connecting with the customers and sharing my passion for coffee.
Why do you judge: I believe this will help me grow and learn for my future coffee journey, as it’s my honor to see how much passion all the competitors put into the barista championship. It’s a pleasure to be a part of it .
How are you brewing coffee at home? Mostly pour over and home espresso coffee. Hmm…. but I also use an AeroPress and siphon. It really just depends on what I feel like drinking that day.
If you’ve judged for a long time, what surprizes you the most? I reckon the most surprises is creativity and innovation that competitors bring to the table also the new techniques and ideas constantly push the boundaries of what I thought was possible in coffee. The passion and dedication of the competitors also continue to amaze and inspire me.
Favourite song to brew to: My Game by Deluxe
If you could go to origin, where would you go? I haven’t been to any coffee origin yet, but I’d love to visit Africa, Indonesia, and South America if I get the chance.
Best pastry to go with coffee: I reckon Lemon tarts, cinnamon buns and croissanttttt for me
How many coffees do you normally drink in a day? Definitely espresso in the morning!!! I usually have 2, 3 or even more coffees throughout the day, whether it’s espresso, filter, or any different type of milk coffeeeeeee depends on how hyped up I am that day.