Dear Members
We warmly invite all members to join us for our AGM, accompanied by a pre-AGM dinner evening before in the beautiful garden city, Ōtautahi, Christchurch
The AGM is an important moment for our association. It is where we reflect on the year that was, share what is ahead, and give members the opportunity to have their say. The AGM is the best opportunity to connect with your community, talk to old friends, meet new ones, and to talk to like-minded people about business wins and struggles.
NZSCA AGM
Date:
Thursday 21 May Dinner at Lilies
Friday 22 May Formal AGM
Friday post AGM drinks 5pm The Rambler (all welcome!)
Location: The Piano, Ōtautahi Christchurch
All members are welcome and encouraged to attend. We also would also invite anyone interested in standing for a Board position to give this some thought now, and closer to the time, please submit your interest. NZSCA relies on Board members to grow and move the association forward; your voice counts!
We encourage you to make a weekend of it and spend some extra time exploring Christchurch. We will be putting together a list of must-see, do, drink and eat for CHCH and an informal post AGM drinks to be announced closer to the time. So there are lots of reasons to stay!
More information, including the agenda and registration details, will be available end of March.
If you would like to supply coffee for the Brew Bar, please let us know, events@nzsca.org
OPEN > Expression of interest; standing for a board position
OPEN >General Business for NZSCA AGM 2026
OPEN >AGM apologies, proxy vote nomination>
OPEN > Registration for AGM
OPEN > Tickets for Dinner
Many thanks to our Principal AGM Sponsor
Sucafina New Zealand
Other events…
It’s going to be a full week of coffee in the Garden city with lots of fun events happening!
Wednesday 20th 2:30 pm Maeden Coffee launch cupping at Coffee Embassy
Thursday 21st 3:30 pm Cofinet cupping at C4 Coffee Co
Saturday 23rd May 11:00 am MQ Coffee Drip Bag Brewers Championship 2026 at Opal Coffee
BOARD NOMINATIONS
The following people have put themselves forward to be nominated for the Board
- Kerri Goodman – Coffee talk
- Samantha Bright – Ryder Speciality Coffee
- Pat Russell – Sucafina
- Dan Lacey – Mojo Coffee Cartel
- Andrew Payne – Proven Coffee and Hardware
- Simon Lewthwaite – Boring
- Kelly Qu – MQ Coffee
- Standing again | Sarah McMath – Meadow fresh
Kerri Goodman – CoffeeTalk
As owner and publisher of CoffeeTalk Media, I bring more than 35 years of experience in the coffee industry and a genuine commitment to supporting the growth of specialty coffee through communication, connection, and industry engagement. Over that time, I have developed a practical understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing coffee professionals across the value chain, and a strong appreciation for the role that community, professional development, and shared knowledge play in helping the industry thrive. Based in Tasman and actively connected to both the New Zealand and wider international coffee community, I would be pleased to contribute my experience, perspective, and collaborative approach to support the work of the NZSCA Board and help strengthen its impact for members and the wider specialty coffee sector.
Chris Meyer – L’affare
I have been involved in the coffee industry in NZ for 20 years. Starting as a barista, moving into roasting, running educational workshops, barista training and now account management. I have also owned 5x different cafes in this time. The most important aspect of my application for this role is my unwavering passion for all things coffee. Moving forward I would hope to add a positive insight to the coffee industry based on my experiences and learnings. Coffee has supported my life for so long I am looking to pay it forward and support NZSCA in making educated decisions that enhances the reach and connection that NZSCA has with its members.
Samantha Bright – Ryder Specialty Coffee
I am submitting my expression of interest to stand for a board position with the New Zealand Specialty Coffee Association as the Owner and Master Roaster of Ryder Specialty Coffee.
With over 20 years in the specialty coffee industry, I bring extensive experience across roasting, production, and business ownership. My work includes operating one of New Zealand’s first electric commercial coffee roasters in our sustainably focused specialty coffee company, giving me a unique perspective on innovation, sustainability, and the future direction of coffee production in Aotearoa.
I am passionate about contributing to an industry that is inclusive and progressive, I have a strong interest in raising awareness and creating more opportunities for female roasters within the specialty coffee community. I believe there is real value in ensuring diverse voices are represented and supported at all levels of the industry.
I am also motivated to help strengthen connections across the industry by encouraging collaboration between industry professionals and businesses. I see real opportunity in building greater visibility for sustainable specialty coffee in New Zealand through partnerships, shared initiatives, and events that showcase the depth and talent within our community.
Alongside this, I am keen to support initiatives that strengthen education, improve professional development pathways, and foster meaningful engagement between members. As an active business owner, I understand the practical needs of members and the importance of delivering value through events, communication, and industry leadership.
Thank you for your consideration
Pat Russell – Sucafina
I have had the fortune to work in manyparts of our industry, in different parts ofthe world, and for the last nine years, to doso in New Zealand. It would be a pleasureto serve you on the NZSCA Board andsupport the Association’s efforts to aid thegrowth,quality and reputation of SpecialtyCoffee in New Zealand.
Dan Lacey – Mojo Coffee Cartel
Dan Lacey is a senior coffee and hospitality professional with over 15 years of experience across specialty coffee in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
His background spans retail, wholesale, training, product development and multi-site operations, and he is currently General Manager for the Auckland business of Mojo Coffee Group, overseeing cafés, wholesale and roastery production across multiple brands, including Kōkako Organic Coffee and Eighthirty Coffee Roasters.
Dan has been an active contributor to the specialty coffee community for many years. In the UK, he served as a competition judge across the Barista Championship, Brewers Cup and Latte Art, and coached competitors in both the UK Barista Championship and Coffee in Good Spirits. He has also delivered training at barista camps and supported the development of emerging coffee professionals across the industry.
As a former SCA Authorised Specialty Trainer, Dan spent nine years delivering certified training across barista skills, brewing and sensory. He worked closely with the London School of Coffee, training individuals and groups, and helping to lift quality, consistency and an understanding of coffee across the industry.
Alongside his technical background, Dan brings strong commercial and operational leadership experience, including work across organic, Fairtrade and sustainability-led coffee programmes. His focus is on developing people, improving systems and delivering sustainable performance across multi-site hospitality environments.
Now based in Tāmaki Makaurau, he is keen to become more actively involved in the New Zealand specialty coffee community, contributing his experience to support industry capability, connection and continued growth.
Andrew Payne – Proven Coffee and Hardware
It feels as though we are at the start of a new chapter in the NZSCA and I would love to be part of the next phase as a member of the board. I’m particularly curious as to how we could use data collected from our events, members and other international bodies, to improve our events and approval.
Simon Lewthwaite – Boring
I am a coffee professional stretching back to Altura in 2005. I‘ve done about all you can do in coffee except production roasting.
I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, not only from my 10 years in the UK, but across different channels within our wonderful coffee world. Inc sales, team management, marketing, large scale manufacturing and alternative milk .
I strive to create connection and community. Coffee started this way and it’s our responsibility to keep that going. This is why I started the NZ Coffee Chat, a growing collaborative space of over 400 coffee people, where everyone can be heard.
Kelly Qu – MQ Coffee
I am standing for the NZSCA board to champion a coffee industry that is connected, accessible, and intentionally forward-thinking.
Having worked across hotel management, café owner operator, and now B2B supply chain manufacturing, I bring a unique perspective on how ideas scale within our community. I understand the mechanics of what makes an initiative succeed or stall on the ground.
For me, the most rewarding part of this industry is turning collaboration into practical progress. If elected, my priority will be strengthening the links between all sectors of our community – ensuring that knowledge, resources, and pathways are accessible, particularly for the next generation of coffee professionals.
Member Accommodation Discounts
We’ve secured exclusive accommodation discounts for NZSCA members attending the 2026 AGM.
If you’re travelling to Christchurch for the AGM on 21–22 May at The Piano, we encourage you to take advantage of these special member rates at our partner hotels.
These discounted rates are available only to current NZSCA members and are subject to availability.
We look forward to seeing you in Christchurch.
Quest Cathedral Junction:
They are offering studio rooms at a rate of $170 net per night and one-bedroom apartments at $220 net per night.
Please note that the special conference rate is only available from 21/05/2026 to 24/05/2026.
Guests should be advised to include the booking code when calling or emailing. Code when calling or emailing is NZSCA – bookings can be made by calling or emailing reservations@questcathedraljunction.co.nz
Fables Hotel and resort:
Promo code NZSCA is now available for use for Fable Christchurch
Stay dates 18-24 May 2026
*link above directs to booking page with starting date 18 May 2026; bookers can adjust their desired dates afterwards.
15% off Best Available Room (Room Only)
30 days cancellation policy
Drifter:
Drifter Christchurch is a design-led hybrid hotel in the heart of the city, built for curious travellers. Stylish private rooms, premium shared bunks, and communal spaces made for connection from a wellness studio and cinema to co-working spots and The Rambler bar to unwind, dine and mingle. Heritage character meets modern comfort, giving you a base that feels both social and seriously comfortable.
Discount code: NZSCA -Code to be entered into their website booking portal. Rates are: 4-Bed Dorm: $50 per bed per night, based in a 4-bed dorm, Superior Queen: $170 per room per night, Superior Queen with Balcony: $190 per room per night, King Suite: $220 per room per night.
Get 20 minutes free scootering around Christchurch with the above code. Please note scooter carefully the NZSCA takes no responsibility for any accidents or damage to property while scootering!