Games chief executive Arthur Klap said the Canterbury, Otago and Southland event would provide economic input as well as showing visitors that most of the South Island was "still open for business".
"We really need positive images and stories going out about the South Island, one, for the confidence of the people within the South Island, but also for people who are looking to come, to make sure they still come and, in fact, taking it a step further, so that they're motivated to come."
Mr Klap said they were working hard with games partners and regional tourism organisations to get the word out, and plans were coming along "really well".
"When these sorts of difficulties come along, things like the games provide jobs, provide economic input, bring international dollars into New Zealand and send out images internationally to show what a great place it is," Mr Klap said.
"Most areas are still in terrific shape and Christchurch Airport can handle the people coming through, and all these things are positive messages going out."
About 80% of festivities around the games had been organised, he said.
The rest would be confirmed within the next few weeks, Mr Klap said.
