A huge thank you to everyone who joined us last week for the Recognition Awards, Quiz Night & Supper, where we came together to celebrate the legends of our industry.
It was quite the evening, featuring the now-infamous quiz led by Paddy Kennedy and Alan Bruce of Acme Cup Co. Congratulations to the winning team, The 4th Crack, who took the top spot by a single-point margin and claimed a bag of Hawke’s Bay apples as their prize!
The evening was filled with heartfelt moments, reflections, and stories from the days before the formation of the NZSCA. David Burton opened with a brief history of the New Zealand coffee scene, tracing back 50 years. This was followed by a panel discussion on personal industry highlights, with insights from David Thomas, Carl Sara, Roz Cattell, and Emma Markland Webster, moderated by Meagan Wyper and David Burton.
The awards portion of the evening reflected the diversity of our industry, from introverted humility to bold, extroverted flair, each acceptance as unique as the people behind them. It was a true celebration of the personalities and passion that make up the fabric of the New Zealand coffee community.
We were proud to present awards to the following industry legends:
Development Award: Richard Corney
Presented by: Megan Wyper & Carl Sara, Accepted by Trevor on behalf of Richard
Richard has been a driving force in opening up and facilitating the crucial conversations that continue to shape the future of the coffee industry. His leadership created space for others to engage in these important discussions, fostering a culture of openness, growth, and progress.
As a valued NZSCA board member (2014–2016) and respected World Judge, Richard consistently championed fairness, integrity, and excellence. His contributions, both behind the scenes and on the world stage, earned him deep respect and admiration across the industry, from independent operators to global brands, and within the association itself.
His legacy continues to influence and uplift the coffee community, laying the foundation for future generations.
Historical Contribution Award: Mike Murphy
Presented by: Tom Handiside & Scott Pepler
Mike Murphy has devoted many years of outstanding service to the coffee industry, beginning as a co-opted board member in 2009 and serving as Vice President in 2010. His unwavering focus on sustainability and ethical practices through his leadership of Kokako Coffee has had a profound and far-reaching impact.
As the driving force behind Kokako, Mike built a business that exemplified strong ethical values, a clear brand identity, and commercial success, setting a benchmark for others to follow. Over the past 17 years, his influence has extended well beyond his own business, helping to shape the wider coffee industry through a consistent commitment to sustainable, values-led practices. His legacy continues to inspire and guide innovation in the sector.
On-Going Contribution Award: Roz Cattell
Presented by: Emma McDougall & David Burton
Roz joined the board in 2016 and has dedicated over eight years of exceptional service to the association. Throughout her time, she has consistently gone above and beyond, fostering relationships and thinking creatively when challenges arose. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Roz also served as President for three years during particularly difficult times, demonstrating strong leadership and resilience.
Even after stepping down from the presidency, Roz remains an invaluable resource, always attending our events and being just a phone call away for guidance and advice. Her unwavering advocacy for Aotearoa has made a lasting impact, and her commitment to the coffee community continues to inspire us all.
On-Going Contribution Award: Glen Woodcock & Glen Crompton
Presented by: Emma Markland Webster & Dove Chen
For nearly 30 years, the Glens of Rocket Coffee have quietly but powerfully driven the momentum of coffee quality in New Zealand, particularly in Hamilton. Their shared passion for excellence has played a pivotal role in shaping the local coffee scene.
They have been incredibly generous with their time and expertise, mentoring many and supporting several individuals in launching their own roasting ventures. Their openness and willingness to share knowledge have left a lasting impact on the careers of countless coffee professionals.
Under their leadership, Rocket Coffee was recently recognised as one of the top coffee shops in the world, solidifying their place as key contributors to New Zealand’s specialty coffee landscape. Their influence has helped put Hamilton on the coffee map and continues to guide the industry with integrity and vision.
Many thanks to our Principal AGM Sponsor, Sucafina AsiaPacific
And our supporting sponsor: NZ Couriers
