Battle of Three is coming to Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Something different is coming to the New Zealand coffee scene.

On Friday 6 November 2026, Battle of Three (Tarung Tiga) will make its Aotearoa debut in Auckland, bringing one of Indonesia's most exciting and innovative coffee competition formats to New Zealand.

But this isn't just another brewing competition.

The Brewers are the Judges

Battle of Three is built around a simple idea.

Three competitors.

One coffee.

One grinder.

One brewing device.

The same conditions for everyone.

The only variable is the brewer.

Competitors battle through rounds of three until only one remains standing. In a twist that makes Battle of Three unlike any other competition, the brewers themselves decide who progresses.

No traditional judging panels.

No hiding behind score sheets.

Just skill, strategy, execution, and peer evaluation.

Full rules can be found here> (totally worth a read :-)) note: No 5 mins prep just 4 & 4 to get ready and brew.

A competition designed for competitors and spectators

One of the biggest strengths of Battle of Three is its simplicity.

Whether you're a coffee professional with years of competition experience or someone attending their first coffee event, the format is easy to follow and impossible not to get caught up in.

Every round matters.

Every brew counts.

Every decision has consequences.

The result is a fast-paced event that creates excitement, conversation, and a genuine sense of community.

From Indonesia to Aotearoa, New Zealand

Battle of Three has taken Indonesia by storm through a series of regional events and at Jakarta Coffee Week, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about competition formats in the country's coffee community. Designed and developed by the one and only Hendri Kurniawan @thephatuncle @tarungtiga (you have to read the guidebook for the full story)

Now it's New Zealand's turn.

The inaugural Aotearoa event will bring together 27 competitors from around the country to battle it out for the title of Battle of Three Champion.

Practice before the battle

Unlike many competitions where competitors only discover the coffee on the day, Battle of Three gives participants the opportunity to prepare.

All competitors receive the competition coffee in advance, allowing them to experiment, refine recipes, and develop their approach before stepping onto the stage.

The competition coffee is also openly disclosed, creating opportunities for the wider coffee community to purchase, brew, and experience the same coffee being used in competition.

More than a trophy

The winner won't just take home prizes and bragging rights.

The Battle of Three Aotearoa Champion will receive flights and seven nights accommodation for two, and an invitation to compete at the main Tarung Tiga event during Jakarta Coffee Week in Indonesia in December 2026.

This creates a direct pathway from New Zealand to one of the most exciting coffee events in the Asia-Pacific region.

Building community through coffee

At its heart, Battle of Three is about bringing people together.

It's about celebrating coffee, encouraging participation, sharing knowledge, and creating an event that is as enjoyable for spectators as it is for competitors.

Whether you're a barista, roaster, café owner, coffee enthusiast, or simply curious about coffee competition, Battle of Three offers something different.

And this November, Aotearoa gets its first taste.

Battle of Three (Tarung Tiga) Aotearoa

📍 Auckland, New Zealand

📅 Friday 6 November 2026

Three competitors. One coffee. One grinder. One brewing device.

The brewers are the judges.

Contact Emma for more details or sponsorship information. emma@monstercoffee.co.nz +64 21415810