MEDIA RELEASE
September 2nd 2005
Robert Harris National Barista Awards Announce Wild Card Entry
The Robert Harris National Barista Awards are adding a new dimension to New Zealand’s only world accredited barista
competition. After consultation with the National Barista Awards Chief Judge, a decision has been made to include a Wild
Card entry, ensuring the very best ‘Robert Harris National Barista of the Year’ is chosen. From 2005 onwards the Robert
Harris National Barista Awards will feature a ‘Wild Card’ in the Grand Final.
This acclaimed competition not only finds New Zealand’s top barista, but the winner is also sponsored by Robert Harris
to fly to Switzerland in 2006 for the ‘World Barista Championship’ –every barista’s dream! Four regional heats were held
through July and August in Christchurch, Wellington, Napier and Auckland with the top two baristas from each competition
heading to compete in the finals at the Wildbean Coffee Festival in Taupo on September 23rd.
Michael Guy Chief Judge says “It has always been a consideration to us that the event needed a Wild Card category, it
further ensures we have the country’s strongest baristas in the Grand Final. For example a Wild Card may be chosen if a
certain region has a particularly high standard, and as such a third place-getter may be deemed strong enough to deserve
a place in the final.””
This year Paul Glover of Ark Café in Auckland has been chosen as the Wild Card. Paul placed third in the Northern
Regional Heat. Paul will travel to Taupo on September 23rd to compete with the other eight competitors in the bid to
become the ‘Robert Harris National Barista of the Year 2005.’
The Robert Harris National Barista Awards is the only world accredited barista competition in New Zealand. The final
competition is run in line with the World’s format and sets the standard for the champion to represent New Zealand at
the World Championships.
This competition is open to the public so come along on September 23rd as part of the Wildbean Coffee Festival at the
Taupo Great Lake Coffee Festival, where the Robert Harris National Barista Awards commence at 3pm.
ENDS