Dear readers, we are happy to inform that we have finished analysing the feedback on our last year’s pilot launch of Multicultural Times (MT), New Zealand’s first nation-wide multicultural newspaper. As was the case with our Christchurch-based multicultural newspaper, The Migrant Times (TMT), MT too received innumerable accolades, appreciation and love from all of you. We are also very grateful to various communities, leaders, decision-makers and organisations from across the country who have shown immense faith in the idea of MT, and TMT before that. Based on the feedback, and after a lot of introspection, we have taken two strategic decisions to ensure that we continue to lead New Zealand’s journalism landscape towards diversity and innovation, while staying true to the basic tenets of the fourth estate. 1) The future of journalism is digital. We will continue publishing MT on our various digital media platforms and will cease publication of our print version. The reach, engagement and scope of innovation in the digital space is far superior to print. The financial viability is also superior in digital, due to the trade-off between the cost of production and results achieved. A better reach, engagement, innovation and viability, will ultimately lead to better-quality journalism for our society. 2) The future of journalism is data and artificial intelligence (AI). We are exploring how to use open data and natural language generation techniques to generate quality content and narrative stories, pertaining to local issues relevant to people’s everyday lives. We are immensely excited.

Stay tuned.

Radio: African Flava

Radio: African Flava

Migrants Centre
Community radio, Ethnic communities

Marlene Isaks has been the voice of Africans living in Canterbury for seven years through her programme, “African Flava”, which is broadcast fortnightly on the community radio station, Plains FM96.9.

Born in South Africa, Marlene came to New Zealand with her parents 13 years ago and began the show in 2010 as “South African Flava”, when it was sponsored by Safari Meats.

The title was changed 4-1/2 years ago to simply “African Flava” in order to extend its interest to people from all over the continent. Marlene now produces and hosts the programme.
 
The show’s main goals are to:

  • broadcast African culture through music, news and interviews;
  • promote the African community and establish its identity through broadcasting; and
  • use the African culture to communicate with the people of Christchurch.

Marlene’s parents, Jeanette and Cornelius, now also present a programme of faith and spirituality through gospel music, “Word of God”, on Plains FM96.9 every Sunday at 2pm.

"...we have a continuously growing African community in Christchurch, with most of the people coming from Zimbabwe, Nigeria and South Africa.."

“We have a continuously growing African community in Christchurch, with most of the people coming from Zimbabwe, Nigeria and South Africa,” says Marlene.

“We’re getting out there and doing things now to bring Africa to Christchurch. In New Zealand, apart from out professional careers, we get the opportunity to branch out into other endeavours that we are passionate about.”

“It’s very important for us to adapt to a new country and grow here as individuals. Our children will easily adapt to New Zealand culture but it is also important for us to keep African culture – from all over the continent – alive.”
 
As part of this, “African Flava” offers:

  • entertainment (music, competitions, various activities);
  • information (news, weather reports, sport, financial news, traffic reports); and
  • community involvement (fund-raising, interviews, sponsorships).

“African Flava” is sponsored by Love Cover Protect, and also has received an award from this group for its work with African communities.

Working in conjunction with the AIDS Foundation, Love Cover Protect is an HIV-protection programme for Africans by Africans living in New Zealand. Marlene is one of the group’s Ambassadors, helping to provide information and empower Africans in the best possible and culturally appropriate way.

“We also try to promote African social events, both here and throughout New Zealand. These can include Independence Days in various African countries; and even Mother’s Days, which are celebrated on different days in different countries. There are annual gatherings like Soul of Africa and Drums of Africa. We also talk a lot about food,” says Marlene.

One upcoming event is the Afrocentric Christmas party to celebrate African culture through music at the Cargo Bar, 359 Lincoln Road, at 9pm on Friday, December 23. Admission is $10.

“My goal as an African is to see other Africans grow and prosper in every way possible in Christchurch or New Zealand,” says Marlene.

- Hans Petrovic

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