Honoka Kawashima of Frank’s Coffee in Wellington has won the New Zealand Specialty Coffee Association (NZSCA) Meadow Fresh New Zealand Barista Championship 2023.
Mike Tan of Meebz Coffee Roasters in Auckland placed second and Jenny Kim of Atomic Coffee Roasters in Auckland placed third.
The competition took place from 25 to 26 March at Whirinaki Whare Toanga, Upper Hutt, Wellington.
Honoka also won Best Newcomer and Most Outstanding Milk Beverage, an award given to the barista with the highest scored milk beverage on day one, receiving NZ$2000 (about AU$1870) and a trophy.
This was Honoka’s first time competing in the Meadow Fresh New Zealand Barista Championship, and she previously placed third place in the 2022 Meadow Fresh New Zealand Latte Art Championship.
Honoka will represent New Zealand at the World Barista Championship, taking place in 2024. The location is yet to be announced.
The NZSCA thanks all sponsors, judges, volunteers, competitors, and coffee companies who helped make the competition happen.
For more information, visit nzcra.org.nz
