MEDIA RELEASE
6th November 2006
New Zealand’s Top Baristas to Compete for the Ultimate Title this Weekend
The National Barista Awards brought to you by Robert Harris will this Saturday conclude a five month long search for New
Zealand’s top barista. Nine finalists from all over the country will be at the National Barista Award Finals at North
Harbour Stadium in a bid to achieve the ultimate title; ‘NZ National Barista of the Year’.
Chris White, Chief judge, says “These nine baristas are the best in New Zealand and I hope they are ready to put their
talent and passion for espresso to the ultimate test within just a 15 minute timeframe. The chance to hold the title and
also be sent to the World Championships is an amazing achievement.”
The 2006 National Barista Awards Finalists who will compete for the national title are:
Carl Sara – Muffin Break, Christchurch
Rob Dempsey – Muffin Break Northlands, Christchurch
Andy Norman, Vivace Espresso, Wellington
Andrew Feldon, Streetwise Coffee, Sampson
Jessica Garland – Robert Harris Café, Rotorua
Claire Whitburn – Café DMP, Napier
Ben Boyle – Ben Cafe, Auckland City
David Huang – Magazzino, Newmarket, Auckland
Faatafa Liufau - Centre of Gravity, Auckland
An expert panel of seven judges will determine the 2007 Champion. Each competitor has a total of 45 minutes to compete –
15 minutes setup, 15 minutes competition time and 15 minutes clean-up. Within their competition time each barista is
required to make four espressos, four cappuccinos and four signature beverages. A signature beverage is a unique
espresso beverage, wholly designed by the barista, the only requirement is that it contains a shot of espresso and no
alcohol or illegal substances.
The winner is sponsored by Robert Harris to fly to Japan in 2007 for the World Barista Championship. Four regional heats
were held earlier this year with the top two baristas from each competition plus the wildcard heading to compete in the
finals that are part of the Wildbean Coffee Festival and Awards at North Harbour Stadium Friday 10th – Sunday 12th
November 2006.
The New Zealand National Barista Awards brought to you by Robert Harris is the only world recognised national
competition allowing the winner to compete annually at the World Barista Championships. Robert Harris has been the major
sponsor of the National Barista Awards since they began in 2001. Their consistent support of the Awards demonstrates
their on-going commitment to the professional development of baristas in New Zealand.
Most New Zealanders prefer to enjoy their coffee with a dash of fresh NZ milk. Anchor has been a key sponsor and
supporter of the National Barista Awards for the past six years.
The competition is open to the public and begins at 10am at North Harbour Stadium. The winner will be announced at the
official Awards cocktail event on Saturday evening from 6pm. For further information about the competition visit:
www.nationalbaristaawards.co.nz or for information on the Festival visit www.coffeefestival.co.nz
ENDS