Ashburton District residents are being invited to showcase their cultural dress and heritage in a special photobook designed to celebrate the district's diverse ethnicities.

The Ashburton District Council’s Welcoming Communities programme is collaborating with local photographer, Emmily Harmer to produce the Hakatere: Home and Heritage project, and residents are being asked to put their name forward for inclusion.

Twenty photos will feature in the hardcover, A4 photobook, which will become part of the National Library and serve as a time capsule of the district's ethnicities in 2020. Hakatere: Home and Heritage will also be used as a gift to welcome newcomers in the district.

Ashburton District Mayor, Neil Brown says the Hakatere: Home and Heritage project is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the community and share stories.

"Alongside the photos, there will be information about the people who feature in the book such as why they call our district home and the significance of their clothing. It's a fascinating project that will celebrate our people, and I encourage residents to put their name forward to be included."

Expressions of interest to participate in a private photoshoot are invited until Monday 9 March.

A panel will then convene to select people for the 20 photos to represent a wide range of heritage clothing, people and cultures. The photoshoot will then be held on Race Relations Day on Saturday 21 March.

Families and friends of those selected for the photoshoot will be invited to attend and share in potluck food on the same day.

The Hakatere: Home and Heritage photobook will be unveiled to the public at a later date.