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.

NZ Red Cross: Pathways to Employment programme for former refugees

NZ Red Cross: Pathways to Employment programme for former refugees

Migrants Centre
Community organisations, News

"Finding employment is a key part of the resettlement process. It gives former refugees financial independence and also offers them the opportunity to use their skills and contribute back to their community." - NZ Red Cross

Recognising this, the country's Red Cross runs a Pathways to Employment programme that helps former refugees plan their employment, education, training and career goals and ultimately find work. Its services include:

  • Helping to plan employment and career goals
  • Assessing skills, including English language skills
  • Referrals to English or vocational training opportunities
  • Assisting with the writing of CV's and cover letters
  • Helping make appointments and get interviews, as well as coaching on interview skills
  • Finding work trials and work experience
  • Encouraging employers to employ people from refugee backgrounds

"Our clients have a wide range of skills and experience. Former clients have found employment in an array of sectors, from engineering to hospitality," says Red Cross on its website, adding that a former refugee seeking employment or an employer who has an available position, can contact Melanie Douglas in Christchurch at 03 339 3750 ext 3554 / 0274 036 058 or melanie.douglas@redcross.org.nz

As Dunedin is also resettling refugees now, the contact there is Jarrah Cooke at 03 477 1527, Jarrah.Cooke@redcross.org.nz

Nationally, people can contact Claire Speedy at 021 228 2061 or claire.speedy@redcross.org.nz for other enquiries.     

Investing: Zino Ventures - the first Chinese angel fund in New Zealand

Investing: Zino Ventures - the first Chinese angel fund in New Zealand
Cartolina: Italian radio programme presented by Wilma Laryn

Cartolina: Italian radio programme presented by Wilma Laryn