Microsoft New Zealand has launched a Windows Phone 7 Challenge that aims to encourage New Zealand software devs to develop “world’s first applications” for the firm’s upcoming Windows Phone 7 platform.

The competition is built on two categories, a general New Zealand category and a Trade Me category.

The New Zealand category asks that developers design and build an original app or game that is inspired by New Zealand through local services, themes and culture. The Trade Me category is all about getting an original app made for Windows Phone 7.

10 finalists in the New Zealand category and five finalists in the Trade Me category will be selected by Microsoft by November 8th.

Details on how to enter can be found here.

Windows Phone 7 is due to be launched by the end of the year, possibly even this month.