A special committee to cash in on next year's Rugby World Cup may be set up by the Waitaki District Council to co-ordinate activities to attract visitors.
One major event is being organised - a Golden Oldies international rugby tournament by North Otago Rugby - but the council sees potential for others.
On Wednesday, the council will consider setting up a Waitaki Rugby World Cup co-ordinating subcommittee and giving it a $10,000 budget from rates.
Community services group manager Richard Mabon said the World Cup was one of the biggest international events New Zealand would host.
"The Waitaki district, in particular Oamaru and other smaller centres on State Highway 1, will be affected by this event," he said.
Not all events would be rugby-related, but "a festival for all".
The council should be involved and help promote and co-ordinate events in the district, starting discussions with local businesses, North Otago Rugby, community groups, culture and heritage organisations to get the best return from the event.
Mr Mabon proposes the subcommittee consist of a councillor or councillors, an events co-ordinator, Tourism Waitaki general manager Annabel Gudsell and council community services group manager Thunes Cloete. Other members could be co-opted as required.
