Luise Metelka of Flight Coffee in Wellington has won the New Zealand Specialty Coffee Association 2021 Meadow Fresh New Zealand Barista Championship.
“Like most people, I am competing because I want to learn and grow. I love the preparation time. I also like to challenge myself,” Luise told the NZSCA ahead of her win.
Hanna Teramoto of the Woozoo Group in Auckland was runner-up and Frank Hsu of Frank’s in Wellington placed third in the competition, held at Expressions Whirinaki Arts & Entertainment Centre from 20 to 21 March.
Luise also won Outstanding Milk Beverage, an award given to the barista with the highest scored milk beverage on day one, receiving NZ$500 (about $460) and a trophy.
Jae Ho Shin from TOB Coffee in Auckland won the People’s Choice and Best Newcomer awards, placing seventh overall.
Luise will represent New Zealand at the 2022 World Barista Championship.
For more information, visit nzcra.org.nz
