Waitaki District ready for the RWC

Waitaki District is ready to welcome visitors for the Rugby World Cup (2011). Plans for roading, cleaning, public toilets, litter collection, even civil defence are all now in place to deal with the increased visitor numbers over the coming months.

The Waitaki Rugby World Cup (RWC) Coordinating Committee (composed of the Council, Tourism Waitaki, Oamaru I-Site and the Waitaki Development board) have been working with the Golden Oldies Organising Committee to ensure the District can take full advantage of the opportunities as part of the RWC. The aim of this work is to ensure the District is promoted as a “must do” rather than just a “pass through” destination during September and October.


The Real Festival which runs from 9 September – 23 October will showcase the District (the people, food and wine, culture and heritage) to visitors and locals alike. Some of the planned events include:


· Oamaru Farmers Market which will be held every Sunday from 11 September onwards;

· Golden Oldies Festival on Friday 30 September until 2 October; and

· The Bog Rocks Music Fest on 30 September.


The Rocks Music Fest, featuring the Feelers, Beat Girls and X-Factor and many more acts is a great local event and we hope both visitors and the community show their support by attending.

Other activities include the opportunity to experience Oamaru from a double decker bus, wine and gastronomic tours, as well as showing casing attractions across the whole of the District. More information on the Real Festival can be found from the I-Site or via www.visitoamaru.co.nz.

The next two months will be an exciting time for the District. We look forward to welcoming visitors from other areas of New Zealand and all over the world!