Regionals Dates ’25: Sunday 30 March, Sunday 6 April and Sunday 13 April
We’re excited to return our pared-down Barista events to the regions in 2025.
Baristas, do you have delicious coffee? Would you like to showcase your skills by serving four delightful espresso drinks and four milk-based beverages while delivering renowned customer service? Once again, three regional titles will be up for grabs, with prizes to be confirmed.
We’ll provide everything you need—a machine, grinder, milk, cups, spoons, even milk jugs and tampers. Don’t worry about table decorations; it’s all about the coffee.
Judges, keep tasting! We’ll be launching a new online education portal for you soon!
Mā te wā.
When?
Sunday 30 March
C4, 113 Fitzgerald Ave, Christchurch/Ōtautahi.
Tickets to compete in Christchurch>
Expressions of interest to Judge Christchurch Regional>
Competitors so far:
Luke Powell, who is new to competing Representing: Vanguard Specialty Coffee Co. in Dunedin
Bio: After an insight on what specialty is all about back in 2014 I’ve always wanted to dig more into the world of coffee. I’ve been able to work at high standard to high volume cafes and now it’s time to bring it all to the table.
Sunday 6 April
L’affare Roastery, 102/104 Adelaide Road, Mount Cook, Wellington/Te Whanganui a Tara.
Tickets to compete in Wellington>
Expressions of interest to Judge Wellington Regional>
Competitors so far:
Blake Irion is new to the competition but started as a home barista and now makes 200 coffees a day. Representing: Ripe Coffee Roasters, Petone Bio: I have been passionate about coffee since 2016. I enjoy Dungeons and Dragons, tinkering with technology, and have been a professional barista for 1 year. I have been a home barista since I started high school in 2016
Sunday 13 April
Havana HQ, Unit G, 69 Saint Georges Bay Rd, Parnell, Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau.
Tickets to compete in Auckland>
Expressions of interest to Judge Auckland Regional>
Competitors so far:
Mark Liao has been making coffee for six years, this will be his first time competing in a Barista event Representing: Legend Coffee Roasters Limited, Auckland. Bio: It’s all about the legend journey and legend dream.
Honggu Shin has been making coffee for over ten years, this will be the first time in a barista event. Representing: Handpicked Coffee, Auckland. Bio: Just want to prove myself.
Jay Marshall-Makaea will be competing for a second time after joining us last year in the Wellington regional and national event. Representing: McDonald’s Parry Group of Restaurants Bio: I would like to compete to continue broadening my coffee world.
Regional Workshop online Wednesday 26 February> Free for baristas registered before February 17 and compulsory for all judges.
Aotearoa Barista Champs: Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 August ’25
What’s happening?
Baristas, bring your coffee and presentation and serve with great customer service. Coffee will be presented to four sensory judges (two scoring and two guests), one technical judge, and one head judge.
They will have 5 mins to dial in and 11 mins to present.
What about sponsoring?
We are reviewing all sponsorship agreements/tenders as they come in, and once confirmed, they will be announced on the sponsorship page.
Keen to know more about who’s sponsoring so far, and what sponsorship categories are available, please click here>