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.

Multiculturalism: Festival of Nations

Multiculturalism: Festival of Nations

Migrants Centre
Community organisations, Ethnic communities

[caption for the above picture: The Parade of Nations which kick-started the event on March 2 (picture courtesy: Emily Whiteman/ Linwood College]

- 47 nationalities were represented during the event held at Linwood College, Christchurch, on March 2 and 3

Richard Edmundson, Principal, Linwood College, noted, "This is the first time we are doing this, and with the response we have got, I am sure, the Festival of Nations will now be a permanent fixture in our College's annual calendar. Linwood College is, if not the most, then certainly one of the most multicultural colleges in the City. This is a celebration of that diveristy. If all schools in Christchurch can come together and organise something like this, it would be even better."

"..this is social studies in action.."

Apart from the Parade of Nations, there were ethnic food and craft stalls, workshops, multicultural lunch, and exhibition of international language movies. The grand finale was the three-hour long cultural show which had over 27 performances including from Samao, Phillipines, Nigeria, China, India, Ukraine, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Nepal.  

The festival was the brainchild of Navjot McCormack, Head of English Language Learning at Linwood College. "This is social studies in action. Over 700 students are participanting in the events spread across these two-days. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, and a lot from migrant and refugee families. This is our way of telling them that they belong here. I believe as educators, our responsibility extends beyond imparting knowledge. We need to make sure that these new Kiwis attain full membership in the Kiwi life."

(picture courtesy: Emily Whiteman/ Linwood College)

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

Christchurch Labour MP's and candidates meet with Canterbury Refugee Council
Market: Latino summer celebrations

Market: Latino summer celebrations