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.

A true champion: Memea Bubsy Eleitino Ma'aelopa-Siania

A true champion: Memea Bubsy Eleitino Ma'aelopa-Siania

Migrants Centre
Ethnic communities, News, Community organisations

(picture courtesy: Memea's family/ Christchurch Community House)

Sunrise: May 10, 1946~  Sunset: March 24, 2017

Passes away peacefully at the age of 70 in Christchurch Hospital. Worked at the Niu Economic & Enterprise Development Trust (NEED Trust), which provides programmes and facilities to cater for the welfare of Pacific peoples and others where appropriate, in New Zealand. Was awarded MNZM (Member of the Said Order) at Queen's Birthday Honours, 2010.

Tributes:

"Now that Memea is gone, challenge for us now is to serve our people the way he did" - Alfred Ngaro, Minister for Pacific Peoples

"The City of Christchurch lost one of its most beloved sons. He was the most selfless person I knew" - Lianne Dalziel, Mayor of Christchurch

"Memea worked in Christchurch Community House for over 15 years. We will miss Memea immensely but will never forget his kind nature and his positive outlook on life." - Mike Asmussen and Eileen Gregg, Christchurch Community House

'We are concerned about the report published in The Press: George Clark, Manager, Canterbury Migrants Centre

'We are concerned about the report published in The Press: George Clark, Manager, Canterbury Migrants Centre
A Kiwi's trip of a lifetime: To The Gambia in West Africa; and Dubai, Jordan, Israel and Palestine in the Middle East; via London

A Kiwi's trip of a lifetime: To The Gambia in West Africa; and Dubai, Jordan, Israel and Palestine in the Middle East; via London