Hiroko Hanna Teramoto has been named Aotearoa Barista Champion for the third time, but the quality of competition showed the strength of New Zealand’s barista scene.
The buzz from the Aotearoa Barista Championship 2025 is still present, even months after the event. Held at Whirinaki Whare Taonga in Upper Hutt, this year’s event delivered one of the most emotional and inspiring weekends in New Zealand coffee history.
A champion three times over
All the baristas brought unmatched skill, creativity, and hear to the stage as a reminder that in Aoteraroa coffee isn’t just brewed – it’s performed.
With a phenomenal 629 points, Hiroko Hanna Teramoto of Mojo Coffee, Auckland claimed her third national title following wins in 2014 and 2022. Her routine, steeped in introspection and emotion, asked one powerful question: ‘Who am I?”
Born in Japan, raised partly in Australia, and now proudly calling Aotearoa home, Hiroko’s performance was as personal as it was precise. From a Lego display that symbolised her history and whānau to heartfelt reflections on her father’s influence, she captivated the audience and more than a few reached for tissues before her time was up.
Hiroko chose a coffee from Finca Los Flores, grown by Jhoan Vergara, a hydro-honey processed lot bursting with passionfruit and yoghurt notes.
Her signature beverage was built around filtered cascara, candied pineapple, yoghurt drops, and juicy plums. Her milk course was a nostalgic nod to childhood memories of her dad giving her flavoured milk, with flavours of ripe banana, crème brûlee, and coca. Her espresso tied it all together, bright with passionfruit, pineapple, and raspberry.
“This routine was about connection – between the people who grow the coffee, the people who serve it, and the people who share it,” says Hiroko.
It was an honest, emotional, and technically immaculate performance that summed up why she remains one of New Zealand’s most respected baristas.
The final scores were the closest in recent memory, proof that Aotearoa’s talent pool is deeper than ever.
Each competitor brought something unique, from bold new flavour concepts to heartfelt storytelling. Their collective performances raised the standard for barista competitions nationwide.
Since the competition, Hiroko has continued to shine, preparing to represent Aotearoa at the Monin Cup and next year will see her head to the World Barista Championships in Panama in October 2026.
A People’s Champion
Community was at the heart of this year’s event, and the People’s Champion award captured that spirit perfectly.
Congratulations to Tufele Timothy Tavite of Strictly Coffee Roasters, Dunedin, whose warmth, authenticity, and aroha earned him votes from across the country.
Chosen by friends, whānau, and coffee lovers alike, this award recognises the people who pour more than coffee. They pour connection.
The 2025 championships reminded us why New Zealand’s coffee community is so special. It’s full of people who care deeply about craft, connection, and each other.
Thanks to all the competitors, sponsors, judges, volunteers, and organisers who made it happen.
Aotearoa Barista Championship 2025 – winners:
First place (629 pts): Hiroko Hanna Teramoto: Mojo Coffee, Auckland
Runner-Up (572 pts): Joshua Peacocke: Mojo Coffee, Auckland
Third Place (572 pts): Heesun Lee: Atomic Coffee Roasters, Auckland
Fourth (570 pts): Matt Ross: Kindred, Tauranga (supported by Grey Roasting Co.)
Fifth (554 pts): Alan Bruce: Acme Cup Co, Wellington
Sixth (520 pts): Bonnie Lam:The Coffee Dojo, Wānaka (supported by Flight Coffee)
This article appears in the December 2025 edition of BeanScene. Subscribe HERE.
