A new 9.5 million NZ dollars (6. 9 million U.S. dollars) lotteries fund has been set up to support public events around next year's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

New Zealand Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully said on Wednesday that a nationwide festival would showcase New Zealand's arts, food and wine, heritage, entertainment, experiences, and lifestyle during the cup.

"The New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund will support all sorts of community events associated with the festival. This could include everything from concerts, fairs, and exhibitions, to street markets and parades," he said in a statement.

Funding could be used to pay for management and operating costs, artists' fees, publicity, and production costs.

Rugby World Cup 2011 will be the largest sporting event ever held in New Zealand.