Tori Matenga has been a barista for 13 years. While she may not have actively sought a career in the coffee industry, she landed a job as a barista in an after-school job while living in Queensland, Australia.
Matenga moved back to New Zealand at the age of 18 after having lived in Australia since she was six years old.
“It was one of my first job skills, but after returning to New Zealand and having a brief stint as a hairdresser's assistant, I realised making coffee was my calling,” revealed Matenga.
The coffee cart stationed near the salon she worked was the first coffee shop where she worked in New Zealand. While free coffees have been a definite bonus for the barista, the most rewarding aspect of her work is the customer appreciation of the craft she takes time and puts so much care into.
“Many people don’t realise how much work goes into making coffee. The whole process, from growing and farming the coffee to making a cup. It is so interesting and worth understanding more.”
Hoping she wouldn't be crucified for the statement, the barista admitted that she didn’t mind instant coffee.
“As much as it pains me to admit, I don’t mind instant coffee. Many big roasters have started making specialty instant, so that’s a win for me.”
However, Matenga said she loved a good house blend, stating that most single-origin coffees were ‘next level’. The barista particularly enjoys coffee from Rwanda. However, she made special mention of Panama Geisha being her favourite. Geisha is a unique blend that is only stocked in small quantities or for a limited time. Matenga strongly recommended trying it if the opportunity arose.
Matenga winds down with a good movie or gaming outside of work, or more recently, she has taken up painting and engraving unique glass pieces she finds from op-shops. However, the barista stated it was not as peaceful as it sounds, as she has a nine-month-old child who has a knack for keeping her on her toes.
