After a closely fought battle, four-time finalist barista Nick Clark was named the 2013 NZ Barista Champion and will represent New Zealand at the World Barista Championship from 23-26 May in Melbourne.
The Huhtamaki NZ Barista Championship 2013 was held over the weekend in Wellington.
Hundreds of spectators got the opportunity to see competitors showcase their skills in front of a panel of judges at Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre.
It was the fifth time lucky for Mr Clark, from Flight Coffee, who impressed the judges on every level of the competition.
From starting at a cafe when he was 16 year old, he said he continues to love his job and is very pleased with his competition performance.
“I’ve never been more proud to say I’m a barista considering the amount of talent I’ve seen at the championship this year. It’s been really humbling to be up against such great coffee makers and I’m over the moon to be representing New Zealand at the World Finals,” Nick said.
Head judge Jessica Godfrey told The Dominion Post the judges had looked for someone who could push the boundaries and challenge their understanding of coffee.
"Nick impressed on every level, from flavour and quality to his creative and engaging performance," she said.
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