Kaumatua Kihi Ngatai led the ceremonials today for the ground breaking ceremony marking the construction start for Zespri's new headquarters in Maunganui Road.

Starting earthworks for the new Zespri headquarters is an important milestone for staff and the industry, says Zespri Chief Financial Officer Dave Hazlehurst.

'It's exciting to have building work now underway on what's going to be a great asset for the Mount community as well as our staff, growers and the kiwifruit industry. This new building will be a hub for the kiwifruit industry with facilities to host growers and office space for other kiwifruit organisations, along with our New Zealand-based staff,” says Dave.

'It is a great opportunity to build a new home for our brand, create the facilities we need to support the industry's growth and redevelop the public park so the community can continue to enjoy this green space in the heart of the Mount.”

Zespri's staff and guests came together this morning to celebrate turning of ground on the site of the new building.

Fencing and signage are being installed around the building site area and in the next few months the temporary offices will be removed, as well as part of the existing brick building. When the new building is finished, the remaining portion of the main office block will be demolished and this area will become the park.

The temporary staff offices and Maori carvings were also blessed this morning, along with the south wing of the main brick office which will be demolished this month before construction work can begin on the new building.