An exhibition celebrating local business owners kicks off on Wednesday (July 8) at the lakefront opposite Pembroke Park. 

Photographer Jodie James came up with the idea for the ‘We Are Locals’ exhibition after seeing businesses struggle with the economic effects of COVID-19. 

“I wanted to do something tangible that will help local businesses due to the loss from COVID-19,” Jodie said. “There are so many talented people in this town that you don’t even know about, so I wanted to highlight them and give them a chance to show the people behind the brand.”

Jodie has photographed the people behind a variety of Wanaka businesses and a large-scale format of their photos, as well as their brand stories, will be on show at the lakeside exhibition.

“Wanaka still has a wonderful community feel and rather than just saying ‘support local’ I wanted to show that ‘local’ actually means local people and their families who own and operate these businesses,” Jodie said. 

Jodie James is the creative behind a new exhibition showcasing locals and their businesses. PHOTO: Supplied

While businesses pay a fee to be featured, the team behind the exhibition are contributing their time for free; fees go toward paying for the signs, security, lighting and other necessities.

Jodie said it was important to her to keep the costs as low as possible.

“People are limited on marketing funding and a little hesitant to spend money at the moment so I wanted to make it as cheap as possible for those involved,” she said. 

Andy Giles from AE Giles builders - who will be featured in the exhibition - helped make that possible. 

“[He] has been incredible and put in so much work to make it look absolutely amazing,” Jodie said. 

The ‘We Are Locals’ exhibition opens on Wednesday July 8 at 4pm and will run for one week.