New Zealands’ Top Baristas

5th September 2005

New Zealands’ Top Baristas Prepare To Go Head To Head For The Title Of ‘2005 Robert Harris National Barista Of The Year’

The steam is rising as the top nine baristas from around the country prepare to contend against each other at the finals of the 2005 Robert Harris National Barista Awards. The finals of the National Competition will be held on Friday September 23rd at the Taupo Great Lake Centre as part of the Wildbean Coffee Festival 2005.

Judges have been scouring the country over the last two months to find the top baristas in each region to compete for the prestigious title of ‘2005 Robert Harris National Barista of the Year.’ The winner of the Grand Final will go on to represent New Zealand at the World Barista Championships being held in May 2006 in Bern, Switzerland.

There is a lot at stake for these baristas with the chance to represent New Zealand at the world championship. Carl Sara, the Robert Harris National Barista of the Year 2004 came fourth overall at the World Championship in Seattle in April. This years contenders are as follows:
Luciano Marcolino, Vivace Espresso, Christchurch
Melissa Hawker, Muffin Break Bush Inn, Christchurch
Te Kawa Robb, Mojo, Wellington
Monique Lina, Springlands Garden Centre and Café, Blenheim
Michelle Rutherford, Robert Harris Café, Taupo
Jessica Miskin, Sugarloaf Café, Napier
Ben Boyle, Altura, Auckland
David Huang, Epicurean Workshop, Newmarket
Paul Glover, Ark Café, Auckland

The Robert Harris National Barista Awards are the only world accredited barista championships in New Zealand. The New Zealand final championship is in line with the format and standards of the World Barista Championships with each contestant required to make four espressos, four cappuccinos and four identical signature beverages within 15 minutes. Throughout the duration of each baristas competition time they are also required to give verbal interaction with the Master of Ceremonies and the seven judges.

As the most respected and only world accredited Barista Awards in New Zealand, the National Barista Awards are sponsored by a number of highly regarded companies and associations including; Robert Harris, Anchor, Faema, DaVinci, HSI and The Restaurant Association of New Zealand.

So, make a weekend of it, head to the Wildbean Coffee Festival at Taupo’s Great Lake Centre and check out the Robert Harris National Barista Awards on Friday September 23rd at 3pm.

ENDS

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