As Wellingtonians we're all in agreement that coffee-making is both a serious business and an art form. We all have our place to get our morning coffee and our favourite barista with just the right sort and amount of banter. It's an exacting combination of factors that go into making our cup of joe just the way we like it and the judging criteria at the New Zealand Barista Championships take these into account.
This year's championships are being held at the L'affare Roastery during Wellington on a Plate. Sixteen of New Zealand's most talented baristas will go head to head in a bid to nab the national title and the opportunity to compete at the world champs in Seoul. Judged on their devised signature drink, the baristas will also be scored on their knowledge of their beans, technique, presentation and personality. It's gonna make for intense viewing: make sure you stay well-caffeinated.