New Zealand Specialty Coffee Association educator Wayne Burrows was at the helm. He said for regions to retain baristas, the industry needed to be enticing.
“You provide them opportunities,” he said, describing the competition as achieving “exactly that”.
The regional heat was a chance to attract new competitors with fresh perspectives.
He said a career in coffee could take you around the world.
“It’s a life skill that if you hone it, and if you learn more and if you propel yourself more into the art of making coffee and the understanding of it,” opportunities will open up.
Campbell said there were many career pathways within the coffee industry.
“It’s a whole world ... you can see people’s eyes kind of widen, and go, ‘I had no idea’.
“If you help people understand something, then it doesn’t matter what machine they’re walking up to or what environment they’re in, they can figure stuff out.”
On May 17, competitors will have five minutes to dial their espresso to taste its best, then one minute to introduce themselves.
They have seven minutes to produce three sets of coffees – espresso, milk beverage and an alternative milk beverage.
New Zealand Specialty Coffee Association educator Wayne Burrows and Sabio Coffee director Penny Campbell are passionate about creating opportunities in the coffee industry. Photo / Brodie Stone
Burrows said there was no ego or bravado in the competition.
It was junior baristas who worked in cafes each day who shone, he said.
“All I want you to do is show up, give it a go, make coffee.
“We want baristas to have fun, we want them to engage, we want them to learn things, but also we want to spark a certain curiosity,” Burrows said.
The regional winner will be supported by Turning Point Coffee’s Stu Hargie before competing later this year at the nationals.
Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.
