Volunteer firefighter Greg Potter said the brigade had come up with the idea of a time capsule, to be buried on the banks of the Arrow River during the closing ceremony of the 150th celebrations this Labour Weekend, which would help add to New Zealand's history.
"I work on the theory New Zealand is very lacking in history - we're 150 years old theoretically, give or take - we've got no history, really.
"I've just discovered this fascinating thing called the internet and you find people in England wandering around finding relics of Roman days.
"It was just more so people could see how we lived and what it was like in our times."
The time capsule would be made from stainless steel and buried in a PVC pipe, which would be sealed with concrete and eventually opened by a future generation.
Mr Potter said the fire brigade wanted residents to contribute to the time capsule, by suggesting items which could be included in it.
"A pack of cigarettes ... they won't have a clue what they are.
"I wanted to put a rates bill in; petrol prices. We're going to put some photos in and an old cellphone which has been disconnected ... a school roll, a letter from the Mayor, a list of businesses in Arrowtown and all the service clubs in Arrowtown, maybe a power bill."
"We'd like people to give us other ideas of what could go in - remembering it's a limited size ... and we'd like non-perishable items."
Anyone with ideas for items to go into the capsule can email Julie Hughes on julie@arrowevents.co.nz or call Mr Potter on (03) 442-0104.