08/23/2025 8:00 am
08/24/2025 5:00 pm
Whirinaki Whare Taonga
836 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt Central, Upper Hutt 5018
Coffee connoisseurs are welcome to witness the search for the country’s top barista at the Meadow Fresh Aotearoa | NZ Barista Champs 2025.
New Zealand’s most talented baristas will be brewing to win the national title in Upper Hutt on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August. They are also in the running to win “The People’s Champion” where you can be the judge.
Onstage, each barista will give a 15-minute demonstration scored on the taste of beverages served, cleanliness, creativity, technical skill, and presentation. Competitors each prepare four espressos, four milk drinks, and four original signature drinks to exacting standards set to their own music.
The “signature drink” allows baristas to stretch their imagination and the judges’ palates to incorporate a wealth of coffee knowledge into an expression of their individual tastes and experiences.
After two days of competition, the barista named Aotearoa Barista Champion 2025 will win flights and accommodation to represent New Zealand at the World Barista Championship 2026, in Panama.
🌏 With Thanks to Our Principal Sponsor – Meadow Fresh
Supporting the journey from Aotearoa to the world stage:
- Champion: 🏆 $2,000 to assist with world travel, training, and practice milk
(Ambassador role with Meadow Fresh to be confirmed) - Runner-Up: 🥈 $1,000
- Third Place: 🥉 $500
Proudly backing excellence in specialty coffee and the incredible baristas who drive it.
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The NZ Barista Champs 2025 is kindly supported by:
Principle Sponsor: Meadow Fresh
Sponsors: La Marzocco, AMC, Acme Cup Co, Cafetto, Monin, MILKLAB
The schedule:
- Saturday 23: 8 am – 5 pm (8:30 am Stage performance starts) TBC based on final numbers
- 4 pm (approx.) announcement of finalists debrief for competitors not continuing
- Sunday 24: 10:30 am – 3 pm Final
- 4:30 pm (approx.) Announcement of Champion