Date: Sunday 20th September
Venue: AUT WG Building – 74 Governor Fitzroy Place, Auckland CBD
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- Grab a free spectator ticket now!
- Competitor ticket SOLD OUT! Join the waitlist here: Humanitix. Check out who’s competing here!
- Judges: Registration opens 6th July (closes 1st August)
- Volunteers: Registration opens 6th July (closes 1st August)
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Event Compliance
The event will be held under the following:
- 2026 World Latte Art Championship Rules & Regulations
- NZ Competitors Code of Conduct/Terms & Conditions
- NZSCA Code of Conduct and Core Values
- Additional event-specific rules as applicable
Event Overview
The Aotearoa Latte Art Championship is a platform that highlights technical skill and artistic expression in a live performance format. This year’s event will have a capacity of 12 competitors.
The winner will represent Aotearoa at the World Latte Art Championship 2027, with flights and accommodation covered by NZSCA.
Preliminary Round:
- 8-minute on-stage performance
- Competitors must present:
- One set of free pour lattes and one set of designer lattes (may include etching, surface aids, or decorations)
- NOTE: The first set of free-pour lattes must be made with Boring Oat Milk (compulsory requirement)
- The Top 5 scoring competitors will advance to the final round
Final Round:
- 11-minute on-stage performance
- Competitors present three sets of matching latte art:
- Two sets of free-pour lattes and one set of designer lattes (may include etching, surface aids, or decoration)
- Judges will see photos of the intended designs; these photos will serve as the reference for scoring. Artistic impressions may be included, but will not override the reference photo
Judging Criteria:
Visual attributes, Creativity, Consistency of matching pairs, Contrast, Overall presentation, and performance
Provided On-Stage Equipment (Compulsory Use):
- Espresso Machine: 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. Tongariro Water used. - Grinder: HeyCafé Buddy
- Coffee: Hummingbird
- Dairy Milk: Meadow Fresh Original
- Alternative Milk: Boring Oat Milk (compulsory in preliminary round free pour)
- Cups: Acme Cup Co. – Tasters Large 310ml
Additional Feature: Art Bar-ish Instagram Competition
A separate social media-based competition will also take place: the Art Bar-ish Instagram Competition, inspired by the global stage’s Art Bar concept.
Each competitor will select their favourite pour, which will be photographed and posted on the NZSCA Instagram account (@nzspecialtycoffee). Once all images are live, the public will be invited to vote by liking their favourite design. The image with the most likes will be crowned the Art Bar-ish Champion. A fun and easy way for spectators to get involved and show support!
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The Aotearoa Latte Art Championships 2026 is kindly supported by:
- Principal: Confirmed three-year 2024/25/26 Meadow Fresh
Sponsors:
- Machinery: Confirmed three-year 2024/25/26 La Marzocco NZ
- Cleaning Supplies: Confirmed three-year 2024/25/26 Cafetto
- Ceramics/Porcelain: Confirmed three-year 2024/25/26 Acme Cup Co
- Alternative Milk: Boring
- Coffee: Hummingbird
- Grinder: AMC Roastery Supply
- Sponsor: Ārepa
