Café Of The Year Awards - Open for Voting

Forget the flag debate; it’s time to focus on another important element of our culture and determine which is New Zealand’s best café. 
 
Voting is now open for the fourth annual Café of the Year Awards and it’s now the public’s turn to  determine which cafés go on to become finalists. With the chance to win brunch at their favourite café there’s even more reason for people to vote. Each week 10 prizes of $50 are up for grabs over the eight week voting period of the campaign. Entrants are also given the chance to win one of four Ultimate Café Road Trips with Renault.
 
Chief Executive of Restaurant Association Marisa Bidois says café culture in New Zealand is as strong as ever and it’s great to see cafes across the country entering the competition.
 
“New Zealanders are passionate about our café culture and have become wise about where to get the best flat white and bite to eat in town.
 
“We spend a lot of time in our cafes whether it’s popping in for a morning coffee, sitting down to read the paper over brunch or even for business meetings.
 
“With entries in from all corners of the country it’s now time for Kiwi’s to vote and show support for their favourite local.”
 
Voting is easy, simply check the website at www.nzcafeoftheyear.co.nz to see a list of entrants in your region and vote via txt, Facebook or online.
 
Public voting is open until 9 October when the votes are counted and the 72 regional finalists are shortlisted together with six regional People’s Choice finalists for the Café of the Year judging phase.
 
One winner is selected in each of the four categories – Best Metro/CBD, Best Suburban, Best Rural and Classic Kiwi - from which the supreme winner of Café of the Year for 2016 is chosen. There is also a People’s Choice winner which is determined through the public vote.
 
As well as the glory, the supreme Café Of The Year also takes away a $40,000 editorial package in Dish Magazine, a ‘Great Cafés of Melbourne Tour’ valued at $10,000 and use of Renault Kangoo for a year.


Ironic Café Supreme Winner of Cafe of the Year Awards 2014. Photo © Sharron Bennett.
 
Finalists and the regional People’s Choice winners are announced on 1 November. The winner of the Supreme Award, overall People’s Choice Award as well as the regional winners are announced on 7 December.
 
The finals judges are from The Restaurant Association of New Zealand (head judge Kerry Tyack) and event supporters are Wattie’s, Meadow Fresh, Renault and Dish Magazine.
 
This year 703 cafés entered to try and take the title from last year’s Supreme winner, Ironic Café in Dunedin. A full list of the entrants can be found on the 2016 Café of the Year website - www.nzcafeoftheyear.co.nz.