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A who's who of celebrities, politicians and world leaders are expected in the country next month for the Rugby World Cup.
Names of exactly who is likely to travel here to watch the tournament are starting to emerge.
Although rugby-mad Princes William and Harry will not be here, because of military commitments, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco are set to attend.
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully has dismissed rumours that French President Nicolas Sarkozy and pregnant wife Carla Bruni will be in the country to watch the French team but hinted that British Prime Minister David Cameron would be likely to attend if England make the final.
The South Pacific Forum is being held at the same time as the RWC which will mean a number of world leaders will be here anyway.
They include UN secretary-general Ban Ki Moon, South African President Jacob Zuma, and the president of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso.
Virgin boss Richard Branson, who lost one of his holiday homes in a fire this morning , will be here, along with executives from Facebook.
Businesses prepare
As rugby fans prepare for the All Blacks' squad announcement at 2pm, businesses are being schooled on making the most of the influx of tourists.
Palmerston North retailers are being offered Spanish lessons, with the city hosting the Argentinean team during the seven week tournament.
Massey University is offering the three-week programme to teach people basic greetings.
Dr Leonel Alvarado from Massey University says it is important that visitors feel welcome.
The move is also considered good business practice.
200,000 tickets left
Rugby World Cup organisers say ticket sales are on track.
Rugby NZ 2011 chief operating officer Therese Walsh says currently ticket sales worth $238 million have been made, meaning there are 200,000 tickets, worth $30 million, left to be sold.
She says about $1 million worth of tickets are being sold every three to four days and it is expected the numbers will increase in the coming days.
Walsh is confident ticket sales targets will be met.
And of course one person who hasn't yet bought a ticket - but might
just add that to the Sky sub he plans on getting to watch the Rugby
World Cup - is
the Murupara winner of $12 million
in Lotto at
the weekend.
* The All Blacks Rugby World Cup squad announcement will
be live on TV ONE and tvnz.co.nz at 2pm today.
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