Regionals Dates ’25: Sunday 30 March, Sunday 6 April and Sunday 13 April
Ticket sales are now open and will close 28th February. If we don’t have the numbers, we won’t go ahead… We need a minimum of 10 competitors per region.
We’re excited to return our pared-down Barista events to the regions in 2025.
Regional Winners Prize Pack
The journey to the top comes with some exciting rewards! Here’s what’s up for grabs so far, for our talented regional champions:
1st Place – Regional Champion
- Trophy & Bragging Rights: You’re the regional champ – wear that title with pride!
- Free Entry to the National Championship in August – your spot is reserved.
- La Marzocco: $200 Prezi card for the regional champion to treat yourself.
- Acme Cupco: $100 Wellington restaurant voucher.
- Meadow Fresh: $1500 Cash
2nd Place – Runner-Up
- Reserved Spot for Nationals in August with 50% off your entry fee.
- Meadow Fresh: $750 Cash
3rd Place
- Reserved Spot for Nationals in August with 50% off your entry fee.
- Meadow Fresh: $500 Cash
4th Place
- Reserved Spot for Nationals in August with 50% off your entry fee.
All Competitors
Sweet Goodie bags, loaded with treats from all our sponsors!
Regional People’s Champion
- Meadow Fresh: $500 Cash
Additional Prizes from Our Partners:
Are still coming in, watch this space!
Get ready to showcase your barista skills, because with these amazing prizes, it’s going to be one unforgettable journey to the Nationals!
Updated 2025 rules V2 February 25>
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>
Free Tickets to spectate Christchurch>
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.
Jordan Reid He’s back in the Barista event after making his debut last year, and we’re excited to see what he brings to the table this time around! Representing: Vanguard Specialty Coffee Co. in Dunedin. Bio: I am passionate about all things coffee and the competition gives me the opportunity to push myself further, outside my comfort zone and learn new skills.
James Evison competed last year but says it was all a blur! Representing: Vivace, Christchurch. Bio: I have been working in and around coffee for 20-plus years and competing is a great way to get outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself! Last year was my first time competing, I have learned a lot from that experience and I want to kick on and try to raise the bar!
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>
Free Tickets to spectate Wellington>
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
Hunter Chapman, who is new to competing Representing: Roastology Coffee Co. in Eastborne, Wellington. Bio: I’ve been passionate about coffee for a while, founding my roastery, Roastology Coffee Co., just over a year ago. I’m competing to grow my skills and experience in the coffee industry, having previously competed but was disqualified for going overtime. After volunteering at Nationals to gain insight, I now understand what I did wrong and how I could’ve differed, and I’m eager to put that knowledge into practice.
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>
FREE Tickets to spectate Auckland>
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 compete again 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.
Gong Xuan Yeoh is the President of SCSC (Specialty Coffee Students Committee). He is also the Roastery & Media Assistant Representing Society Coffee. Bio: I’ve worked in the industry for 5 years now, want to see how I stack up in competition and share my message of connection in the industry.
Renee Kang has been a legendary volunteer for a number of our events. We LOVE seeing our baristas level up! Representing: Society Coffee Roasters Bio: I have a passion for coffee and find it interesting to see how coffee taste changes by various elements. I have been working in coffee for a while and possibly starting my career in another industry soon, I’d like to join this competition as a closure for my coffee journey for now.
Nelson Ik Run Soon This will be Nelson’s first time on the Barista stage, but he’s no stranger to competition—having volunteered in all of our championship events last year and even organizing his own events in Auckland. Representing: Starbucks NZ Bio: I’m here to challenge myself and dive deeper down the rabbit hole. Come watch my adventure!
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>