At the Huhtamaki New Zealand Barista Championship 2011, the search was on to find the best barista in the country to represent us at the World Barista Championship in Bogota, Colombia 2011.

Regional barista competitions were held in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland during March and April, with the National final held in Wellington at the Mojo Roastery on Queens Wharf.

Zach was proud to be part of the judging panel for the Wellington competition for the second year in a row.

The New Zealand Coffee Roasters Association runs the NZ Barista Championships in close accordance with standards set by The World Barista Championship organization.

The focus was on producing a field of finalists capable of competing successfully at an international level, and of course a winner who can excel at the world finals. Kiwis have historically done well at The World Barista Championship.