The announcement of a proposed biennial New Zealand Winter Games in 2009 has been met with widespread support.
Organisers on Tuesday confirmed the inaugural event is set for late 2009 as a lead-up to the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.
The aim is to hold it biennially afterward - it will be mainly targeted as an Olympic preparation event for athletes around the Pacific Rim.
The Games have NZOC backing and that of Otago philanthropist Eion Edgar.
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Curling will be held at the centre in Naseby - organisers have opted out of developing expensive infrastructure reliant events such as a bobsled and luge track.
