Josh Peacocke, Aotearoa/New Zealand

Mojo Coffee

Please tell us a little about yourself:

I'm a barista for Mojo Coffee in Auckland, NZ. I've been competing for 3 years now, actually, I started volunteering and competing in barista championships before I started working in the coffee industry!

Something about me, I love my commute to work! Starting with watching the Auckland costal cityscape over the harbour bridge, walking through the quiet early morning city, waving to fellow barista friends opening their own cafes, or glacing at the sky tower glowing in the sunlight of the sunrise.

What are you excited to do while you visit the Panama city?:

Its to meet people! It'll be my first time visiting WOC, so there's a lot of people I look up to that I'll have the chance to talk to. In particular getting the chance to talk to the producers who have produced coffees I have used in competition previously. Or the people doing cool tech in the coffee world!

What are your interests outside of coffee?:

I enjoy Japanese calligraphy, it's a skill passed down through my family. I find it's a great time to relax, meditate, and express my thoughts.

Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WCC?:

For sure, my company Mojo was supportive from the moment I'd found out I was going, including the Auckland GM Dan.

My coaches, Megan and YJ, are so so supportive, they feel like much older siblings to me. Pushing me because they believe in me, sometimes more than I do! YJ is also roasting my coffee for me, with a depth of knowledge I only wish I could get to at some point.

I'm grateful to my dad for being willing to help me financially, and my family for unwavering support.

Alice Burton was the person to tell me I was going to be here. And, she was very convincing at getting me to go! That belief in me meant a lot and adds fuel to keep my courage going.

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