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.

Enlightened companies: AuCom employees represent 26 different nationalities

Enlightened companies: AuCom employees represent 26 different nationalities

Migrants Centre
Enlightened companies, Economy

28 different languages are spoken in its workplace

In similar vein to Hellers from Waimakariri [story on page 6], Christchurch-based AuCom Electronics, specialists in fixed speed motor control, which has 110 employees on its role, employs migrants coming from 26 different nationalities.  

Mandy Nottingham, AuCom's HR Head, informs, “Within the AuCom team we speak more than 28 different languages including one employee speaking nine different languages, another employee speaking five different languages and another 11 people speaking three different languages.”

“AuCom has embraced diversity right from inception of the company in 1978. We have many social activities during the year which celebrate different cultural festivals including Diwali, German beer fest, Chinese New year – some of which are initiated by the employees themselves and others being led by the company and social committee.”

Brent Archer, CEO of AuCom, whose father founded the company added, “We have not known any other way. Apart from the obvious advantage of getting the best possible talent from around the world, it open doors for us in newer markets. For example, when we employ an Indian, and approach the Indian market through him or her, we get a head-start on our competitors. Our Indian customers also feel more comfortable in dealing with our Indian employee. It's a win-win for everybody.”

True to its diverse nature, and inspired by the Rio Olympics, AuCom was also organised an AuComOlympic Challenge this time.

“Employees have been randomly allocated to a country team; we have 12 countries represented in the challenge. one of course is New Zealand. The challenge has run from 5-19 August, with the grand finale and medal ceremony being held on Monday 22 followed by morning tea. Employees earned valuable team points by recording their fitness activities (outside work); by showcasing their team country; participating in Olympic challenge workshops including women and men’s self-defence training, Zumba, Indoor Football, external speaker workshops; as well as completing the Company's wellness and safety quiz’s,” concluded Mandy.

Click on the image to enlarge it and read the printed version of the story.

Click on the image to enlarge it and read the printed version of the story.

Funding: New ethnic community funding round opens

Funding: New ethnic community funding round opens
Enlightened companies: A bit of United Nations at Hellers

Enlightened companies: A bit of United Nations at Hellers