The 2011 kiwifruit harvest is underway following the Zespri Industry Challenge held at Centennial Park.

The event saw nearly 200 kiwifruit industry members come together to celebrate the beginning of the 2011 harvest.

The half-day and evening included games followed by a shared meal giving teams the opportunity to bond with each other and build some industry camaraderie before the harvest.

There were 12 teams from the kiwifruit industry which competed against each other in five different ‘Top-Town' style games and activities.

A sixth game saw the teams cheering on the event sponsors.

There were hundreds of prizes given away, including spot prizes, with all teams competing for the much-coveted wooden trophy.

Kiwi Produce won the trophy with a total of 60 points, followed by Aerocool (53 points) and Trevelyan's close behind in third (52 points).

Michele A'Court, well-known New Zealand comedian, emceed throughout the day. Event organiser and communications coordinator Claire Smart says the event went well.

'It was great to see so many people from the industry coming together and having a good time on the day,” says Claire.

'The setup and support teams were fantastic, the teams all got on so well and it was a neat all industry event to kick the season off.”

The day was made possible by support from sponsors and other contractors. Zespri and the kiwifruit industry would like to thank: major sponsor Rabobank and game sponsors: Sinclair/Jenkins Group, Compac-Lenz, Farmlands/Skeltons and Amcor Kiwi Pack & Strap.