Dates: Friday 18th September – Preliminary
Saturday 19th September – Finals
Venue: AUT WG Building – 74 Governor Fitzroy Place, Auckland CBD
- Ticket release via Humanitix: 1st June (closes 1st August)
- Judges: Registration opens 6th July (closes 1st August)
- Volunteers: Registration opens 6th July (closes 1st August)
No Spectator tickets required, please come along on the day and cheer the competitors on!
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.
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 be going to 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.
The NZSCA is committed to running the event in close accordance with WBC standards. Our focus is on producing a field of finalists capable of competing successfully at an international level, and of course, a winner who can excel at the world finals.
If you are keen to compete, there are a few things you should consider. Meeting WBC standards is time-consuming, so we can only put 20 contestants through in a day. If there are more than 20 entrants for the championship, we will conduct a selection process, awarding entry to those competitors we consider best able to excel in competition conditions. Information provided by entrants at the time of entry is essential to help us make a sound selection.
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
————————————————————————————————————————————————-
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>