The Huhtamaki New Zealand Barista Championship 2015

Overview

The country’s best baristas are set to prove they’re the creme on the coffee as they battle it out at this year’s Huhtamaki New Zealand Barista Championship.

Arriving from all corners of the country, competitors will put their creative and technical expertise to the test over two days of world-class coffee making. Competitors will be tasked to create perfect espresso and cappuccino, as well as showing their creative vision in four signature drinks - all in 15 minutes. With free admission, there's no excuse not to head down and see how the judges deal with excessive caffeine consumption. It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it.

Local competitors include Alan Bruce from Mojo, Megan Wyper from Flight, Logan Collinge from Te Papa, Adam Kyne-Lilley and Sarah Lindley from L’Affare. Let's not take it for granted that we have some of the best coffee makers in the world keeping us caffeinated/alive.

The 2015 National Champion will travel to Seattle in April to represent New Zealand and go head-to-head with the world’s finest at the World Barista Championship. Last year, Espresso Workshop’s Hanna Teramoto was judged best barista in the country before being placed 17th in the World Barista Championship held in Rimini, Italy.

The caffeine-drenched weekend also includes the Meadow Fresh New Zealand Latte Art Championship where the barista becomes the artist, espresso and milk their medium, and the latte cup their canvas.

The New Zealand Barista Championships are being held at Shed 6 on the Wellington Waterfront from Thursday, 19 March till Sunday, 22 March. Free admission for the public on Saturday 21 March and Sunday 22 March.