In an email to the country's golf associations, New Zealand Golf chief executive Dean Murphy said the national body was still finalising details.
"Unfortunately, we are not yet in a position to announce the future of the event and do not anticipate an announcement being made before October 9," he wrote.
"[There are] some key contracts being revised at present with some negotiations still to complete with various parties.
"We will, of course, be in touch as soon as any announcement is planned and provide advance notice to districts, as we have in the past."
Speculation has been rife but the smart money is on the 2011 Open being played at the Clearwater club, near Christchurch, from January 27 to 31.
It is thought the tournament will be sanctioned by the Australian PGA and there are suggestions Clearwater will get a three-year deal.
The last three Opens have been held at The Hills, near Arrowtown.
Hills general manager Sam Gent told the Otago Daily Times last week she believed The Hills was still in the running.
"We think the Open is worth doing properly, and we're trying to look at a whole new way of doing things to build on the event," she said.
"Hopefully, that doesn't count against us."
Murphy could not be reached for comment yesterday.
