Dates: Friday 18th September – Preliminary
Saturday 19th September – Finals
Venue: AUT WG Building – 74 Governor Fitzroy Place, Auckland CBD
- Tickets SOLD OUT! Join the waitlist here: Humanitix
- Judges: Registration opens 6th July (closes 1st August)
- Volunteers: Registration opens 6th July (closes 1st August)
Event Compliance
The event will be held under the following:
- 2026 World Barista Championships Rules & Regulations
- NZ Competitors Code of Conduct/Terms & Conditions
- NZSCA Code of Conduct and Core Values
- Additional event-specific rules as applicable
Event Overview
Aotearoa’s most prestigious coffee competition — the pinnacle of barista craft, skill, and passion. This year, the event will feature 15 competitors, including our regional Barista Open winners. Each competitor will have 15 minutes to present espresso, milk, and a signature beverage course, which will be scored on sensory and technical aspects, as well as the presentation.
The winner will represent Aotearoa at the World Barista Championship 2027, with flights and accommodation covered by NZSCA.
Details for Competitors
You do not need to compete at regionals to enter Nationals; however, spots to compete are limited. Priority will be given to the winners from each regional event, who will have first access to entry.
The World Barista Championship organisation (WBC) has licensed The New Zealand Speciality Coffee Association (NZSCA) to run the New Zealand Barista Championships since 2008. Competitors, trainers, mentors, and judges ensure you read the WBC Rules, Scoresheets, and Code of Conduct.
Any questions regarding the champs? Contact events@nzsca.org
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The Aotearoa Barista Champs 2026 is kindly supported by:
- Principal Sponsor: Confirmed three-year 2024/25/26 Meadow Fresh
Sponsors:
- Machinery: Confirmed three-year 2024/25/26 La Marzocco NZ
La Marzocco two group Linea PB. Per the rules, the two group machines’ temperatures are set at the mid-point between 90.5 – 96 °C. The baskets are 17g La Marzocco precision baskets. - Ceramics/Porcelain: Confirmed three-year 2024/25/26 Acme Cup Co
- Cleaning Supplies: Confirmed three-year 2024/25/26 Cafetto
- Plant-based milk: Boring Oat Milk
- Grinder: Machine Limited
Malkonig E65W GBS - Syrup: MONIN
- Sponsor: Decent packaging
- Sponsor: Ārepa
- Event partner/s: Vertical logistics -The Barista Opens
Please view the NZSCA Ticketing Terms & Conditions here>
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Competitor Line Up:
Heesun Lee representing Atomic Coffee Roasters, Auckland
Samara Xia Huang representing Good Jo Coffee, Queenstown (Supported by Wolf Coffee Roasters)
Pinja Mäkipää representing All You Knead, Whangārei (Supported by Sabio Coffee)
Yrjo Galvez representing decent packaging, Auckland
Alan Bruce representing Acme Cup Co., Wellington
Nelson Ik Run Soon representing Starbucks New Zealand, Auckland
Matt Ross representing Kindred, Tauranga
Kyle Cabangun representing Rook & Bean Soup, Christchurch
Jenna Phillips representing Sacred Grounds, Taupō
John Gordon representing Silverback Coffee Solutions/Pegasus Coffee Systems, Auckland
Yejun Shim representing Slow Koi, Auckland
Gong Xuan Yeoh representing Parable House, Auckland
Josh Peacocke representing Mojo Coffee, Auckland
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