A 13-strong group of women from the small South Otago farming district has beaten scores of other talented WI groups in what almost amounts to a rural-style American Idol competition to end up as one of the top two WI performing groups in the country.
The group's song, dance and acting routine, contained in an original 20-minute performance, is called Gathering Delights - Looking For Love and tells the story of two hitch-hikers being given a tour of the Clutha district.
Penned by Jan Johnson, of Puerua Valley, it also features a photographic PowerPoint presentation compiled by Puerua Valley freelance photographer Joanne McLeary.
The performance and showdown with the country's other top WI group from Hutt Valley will be staged at the Wellington Town Hall on July 29.
Romahapa WI president Shona Preddy said the cast all wear Clutha Country T-shirts on stage as the performance uses images, song, verse, words and music to promote the Clutha region.
Each cast member now has to find the money for travel and accommodation costs to and from the capital city.
The group was also applying for grants to help cover what would be an expensive but worthwhile journey, she said.
"It's all quite exciting but frightening at the same time . . . from wee little Romahapa to the Wellington Town Hall, who would have thought?"
Regardless of how it fares in Wellington next month, Mrs Preddy said the group had enjoyed the experience.
The winner on July 29 receives a trophy "and all the glory", she said.
The Romahapa WI will stage a final dress-rehearsal which will double as a public performance at the South Otago Town and Country Club on July 22.
This event will also include a fashion parade as a last-minute fund-raiser for the Wellington trip.
For the last five years, the same group members have taken their clothes off to pose for a fund-raising calendar.
Plans are under way for a 2009 publication.
