The Otago Daily Times will be sending a photographer to Arrowtown on October 7 to capture the 2012 Arrowtown Today image, which will be buried in a time capsule and dug up again in 2162.
As part of the event, every Arrowtown resident, worker, holiday-maker and student is invited to register for the photograph, with a town "roll" featuring registered names to be included in the time capsule, enabling a future generation to find a record of their ancestors.
Along with their names, people could also include their occupation and street address, which would add another layer of value in the future for people who wanted to know who used to live in their homes.
ODT commercial manager Matthew Holdridge said the photograph would be a perfect addition to the time capsule, which was being organised by the Arrowtown Volunteer Fire Brigade.
"The purpose of the time capsule is to provide a future generation with an insight as to what life was like in 2012.
"The Arrowtown community is a pretty special one and we thought a photograph with as many residents, workers and holiday-makers in it as we can get would be an amazing one to take and I'm sure in 150 years it will be an image people will love.
"We're not sure this has ever been attempted before, but the feedback we've had so far has been absolutely incredible - we've got people champing at the bit to register, so we're confident it's going to be a huge success."
The photograph would be taken from the Arrowtown Bakery end of Buckingham St, capturing the town's people and its main street.
Although registrations were not compulsory, those who did register would have their names recorded as being in the image.
"Just given the nature of the street and the potential number of people who will be in the photograph, registering ensures those who open the time capsule and view its contents will know you were there.
"What we'd love is to have all of Buckingham St full to brimming for this photograph, showing people in years to come what a vibrant community Arrowtown has."
Mr Holdridge said the resulting image would be printed in the Otago Daily Times, but every person who registered for it would be able to buy copies at 50% off the normal rates.
After the photograph was taken, live music on Buckingham Green would create a party atmosphere, and people would be encouraged to stay in the town and have their own celebration before the official Arrowtown 150 commemorations began on October 19.
"The ODT celebrated its 150th last year, so we know what a massive achievement this is," Mr Holdridge said.
"We really hope everyone gets behind this and helps to create a phenomenal photograph."
Arrowtown 150 co-ordinator Julie Hughes said the photograph would be a "great thing for Arrowtown".
"It's going to be something that will bring the community together and it's a great [way] to get the community involved."
Registration forms (printed at left) will also be available at various businesses in Arrowtown and will continue to be printed in both the Queenstown Times and the Otago Daily Times over the coming weeks.
Be there
What: Otago Daily Times 2012 Arrowtown Today Photograph.
When: Sunday, October 7, 2012, 4pm.
Where: Buckingham St.
To register
If you would like your name included in the 2012 Arrowtown 150th photograph roll:
Register by filling out the forms in either the Otago Daily Times or Queenstown Times.
Drop these in to either the Otago Daily Times Queenstown office, 9 Athol St, Queenstown or Lakes District Museum, Buckingham St, Arrowtown.
Post them to Otago Daily Times, PO Box 774, Queenstown.
Register online through www.arrowtown150.co.nz
Registrations will also be taken on the day, but are not compulsory.
