However the community is set to celebrate our cousins across the ditch in 2021 after New Zealand was formally invited to be next year's guest nation.

In his report to council, General Manager Paul Devery said the Festival working group recently met to review the 2020 year and look ahead to the 2021 Festival.

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"As a result of that meeting it was suggested a small event, for example a Mayoral reception, could be held in spring 2020 with the New Zealand High Commissioner, councillors, Festival youth ambassadors and others to finalise the 2020 festival year," Mr Devery said.

"It was also suggested New Zealand be invited to be the guest nation for the 2021 Festival acknowledging there are likely to be restrictions still in place next year that will need to be managed."

Following the meeting, Mr Devery said Cowra Mayor, Councillor Bill West called High Commissioner Dame Annette King to discuss these suggestions.

"The High Commissioner was very receptive and welcomed the opportunity to participate as the 2021 guest nation," Mr Devery said.

"Accordingly a formal invitation has been sent from the Mayor seeking to confirm these arrangements."

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Councillor Judi Smith said New Zealand was an appropriate choice as international travel may be possible between the two nations next year.

"This is appropriate in a number of ways, they weren't able to come this year obviously but they are also the most likely to come next year," she said.

"I think it's a sensible move."