The 2023 Barista Competition was back for the first time since 2019 due to COVID. This year we had a record breaking 49 Baristas and the competition was split into 6 Regions. Each regional winner had a Winner and a Runner Up who each took home prize money. A big congratulations to:

Wellington Regional:
Winner: Puni (Petone)
Runner Up: Arun (Crofton Downs)

Nelson Regional:
Winner: Tara (Nelson Mega)
Runner Up: Tahlia (Nelson CBD)

Christchurch Regional:
Winner: Fatima (Riccarton)
Runner Up: Kayley (Hornby Mega)

Oamaru/Timaru Regional:
Winner: Rebekah (Timaru)
Runner Up: Jenni (Timaru)

Invercargill Regional:
Winner: Hannah (E Hayes)
Runner Up: Ashlee (Invercargill Mega)

Auckland Regional:
Winner: Imagodei (Pukekohe)
Runner Up: Tracey (William Pickering)

From the Regional competitions came our top 3 overall based on points. A huge congratulations to our overall National Barista Champion of 2023 - Imagodei Lefale! Congratulations also to our 2nd and 3rd National runner ups.

Winner – Imagodei Lefale from Columbus Coffee Pukekohe

1st National Runner Up – Puni Patterson Liua from Columbus Coffee Mitre 10 MEGA Petone

2nd National Runner Up – Hannah Coutts from Columbus Coffee E Hayes