The three-day event starts today at the Maniototo International Curling Rink.
The New Zealand team of Peter de Boer (skip), Sean Becker, Scott Becker and Kenny Thomson finished fifth at the world championships.
The biggest challenge is expected to come from the team of Hans Frauenlob, Dan Mustapic, Lorne de Pape and Pat Cooney, who finished fifth at the world seniors (over 50) championships this year.
Another strong team includes former international Rupert Jones and Warren Dobson and Maniototo locals Phil Dowling and Dan Thurlow, who was in last year's winning team.
Another team capable of causing an upset is the Central Otago squad that is skipped by New Zealand team coach Peter Becker. It includes former Otago rugby representative Richard Morgan. The other members are John Sanders and Nelson Eade.
The other teams are skipped by Charlie McLeod (Dunedin), John Campbell (Alexandra), and Aucklanders Kieran Ford and Al Langille.
Three members of last year's winning women's team - Brydie Donald, Marisa Jones and Natalie Thurlow (nee Campbell) - are back. Experienced international Bridget Becker replaces Jess Zinsli.
Their challenge will come from the Maniototo combination of Wendy Becker and Helen Greer, who will be joined by Aucklanders Liz Matthews and Eleanor Adviento.
The finals are expected to start at the Naseby rink about 12.30pm on Sunday.
