Oamaru could miss out on a windfall from the Rugby World Cup unless the community starts getting enthusiastic about the potential, North Otago Rugby Football Union chief executive Colin Jackson fears.
Yesterday, Mr Jackson, along with union staff and Tourism Waitaki held a media briefing on major events planned in Oamaru during the cup, including the Golden Oldies rugby festival, Bog Rocks MusicFest and Classic Hits Idol contest.
Mr Jackson felt tapping the potential of the Rugby World Cup needed a push, particularly from the Waitaki District Council, or people were not going to stay in Oamaru.
"We need a way to get them here," he said.
The Golden Oldies rugby festival from September 30 to October 2 at Whitestone Contracting Stadium already had 18 teams entered, including two overseas teams and others from Te Puke to Southland.
The tournament would cater for a maximum of 25 teams, each with 30 to 40 members.
Included in the teams was a historic All Blacks team, being put together by former All Black and North Otago player Ian Hurst.
Plans were being finalised for the Bog Rock MusicFest at the stadium on September 30, which would include the winner from the Classic Hits Idol contest.
The union was also setting up a campervan park at Centennial Park for the Rugby World Cup, which would cater for up to 100 campervans a night.
Tourism Waitaki was running a World Cup ambassadors course on June 15 for Oamaru businesses' staff to encourage them to promote attractions to visitors, encouraging them to spend time in the area.
