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.

Christchurch Labour MP's and candidates meet with Canterbury Refugee Council

Christchurch Labour MP's and candidates meet with Canterbury Refugee Council

Migrants Centre
Ethnic communities, Community organisations, News

As political parties kick off their election campaigns, Labour MP’s Megan Woods and Ruth Dyson, and labour candidates, Anthony Rimell candidate for Ilam, Jo Luxton candidate for Rangitata, Tony Condon candidate for Selwyn and Duncan Webb candidate for Christchurch Central, recently met with representatives of the Canterbury Refugee Council.

Among other issues, the Labour leaders discussed their Party's commitment to doubling the refugee quote and Andrew Little’s condemnation of US President Donald Trump’s actions against refugee and migrant communities in his country, which has made international news.

"It was a good chance for the MP’s and candidates to listen to the concerns of the Refugee Council, and topics discussed included the National governments lack of support for family reunification and the need for a humanitarian approach to refugee and migrant issues, the difficulties some refugees face securing employment, and the problem of young people leaving for Australia once they have their qualifications," noted a Labour spokesperson.

"The group also discussed lack of services in mental health for refugee communities and alarm at the governments proposed sale for Housing New Zealand houses."

Community radio: Namaste Nepal - a greeting from Nepal

Community radio: Namaste Nepal - a greeting from Nepal
Multiculturalism: Festival of Nations

Multiculturalism: Festival of Nations