South Island (New Zealand) Baristas Flaunt Their Espresso Talent

Over 20 competitors from around the South Island will today compete at the Christchurch Convention Centre in the hope to be crowned New Zealand’s National Barista Champion for 2006. Now in its sixth year, the National Barista Awards brought to you by Robert Harris will today begin to scour the country for the most accomplished coffee maker in the land. The last three National Champions have originated from Christchurch promising to make today’s regional competition one of the best!

Each of today’s competitors will be tested on all areas of their barista talent. A panel of seven expert judges will determine which two competitors will then go on to compete at the National Final at the Wild Bean Cafe Festival and Awards in Auckland in November. The National Barista of the Year will qualify to enter the World Competition in Tokyo, Japan in 2007.

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