Hiroko Hanna Teramoto, representing Mojo Coffee in Auckland, has won the NZSCA Aotearoa Barista Championship 2025, securing the title for the third time following previous wins in 2014 and 2022.
Hiroko took the top spot at the finals on Sunday 24 August with an “outstanding” 629 points, with colleague Joshua Peacocke placing second with 572 points. The finalist lineup was completed by Heesum Lee of Atomic Coffee Roasters in Auckland (572 points), Matt Ross of Kindred in Tauranga (570 points), Alan Bruce of Acme Cup Co in Wellington (554), and Bonnie Lamb of The Coffee Dojo in Wanaka (520).
Tufele Timothy Tavite representing Strictly Coffee Roasters in Dunedin was crowned the 2025 People’s Champion, which celebrates the ‘aroha’ and support behind the baristas.
In the nail-biting final, Hiroko used a coffee grown by Jhoan Vergara in Finca Las Flores, Colombia, which showcased the hydro honey process coffee. Her routine focused on the theme ‘Who am I?’.
Her signature drink featured filtered cascara, creating notes of candied pineapple, yogurt drops and juicy plums. The milk course was inspired by childhood memories of her dad giving her flavoured milk, and highlighted ripe banana, crème brûlée, and a cocoa finish. Finally, her espresso brought together bright notes of passionfruit, pineapple, and raspberry.
Hiroko will go on to represent Aotearoa in the World Barista Championship in Panama in October 2026.
