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.

Awards: West African achievers recognised

Awards: West African achievers recognised

Migrants Centre
Community organisations, Ethnic communities

(caption for the above picture: Dennis Agelebe, President of Nigerian Canterbury Association of New Zealand, addressing the gathering)

On April 8, the West African community organised an achievers award night attended by over 50 people. Dennis Agelebe, President of Nigerian Canterbury Association of New Zealand, noted the contributions of the African community in Christchurch and New Zealand.

Jimmy Chen, Christchurch City Councillor, and Sally Pitama from Ngai Tahu, welcomed the African community to Christchurch.

"Our aim is to acknowledge West Africans living in Canterbury that have performed exceptionally well in their field. We believe that by celebrating their hard work, future generation will be inspired to aim high in their endeavours. This will also promote our image in the wider society," noted the organisers.  

Patrick O’Connor, Director of PEETO, a multicultural learning centre based in Christchurch, presenting certificates to young children from the community  

Patrick O’Connor, Director of PEETO, a multicultural learning centre based in Christchurch, presenting certificates to young children from the community  

The gathering was entertained by Jumo, Jennifer and Sola playing some traditional West African music

The gathering was entertained by Jumo, Jennifer and Sola playing some traditional West African music

Cartolina: Italian radio programme presented by Wilma Laryn

Cartolina: Italian radio programme presented by Wilma Laryn

Engage with us: Jimmy Chen, chair of Christchurch City Council's multicultural subcommittee

Engage with us: Jimmy Chen, chair of Christchurch City Council's multicultural subcommittee