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.

Anti-racism: NZ's first Anti Racism campaign reaches more than 2 million people

Anti-racism: NZ's first Anti Racism campaign reaches more than 2 million people

Migrants Centre
Ethnic communities, Community organisations, News

The Human Rights Commission’s That’s Us anti-racism campaign has reached almost 2 million people (1.9 million) and engaged with more than 600,000 people since its launch on the September 1, 2016.  That’s Us is New Zealand’s first nationwide, anti-racism campaign with its first stage focused on sharing the stories of everyday Kiwis.

Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy announced the figures when she launched Race Relations Day on March 21. “This is good news. It tells us that Kiwis care deeply about race relations. But the reality is that racism is something many Kiwis face every day.  Incidents happen here in New Zealand, in Auckland, in Huntly, in Lower Hutt, in Christchurch and they happen to everyday people. We urge Kiwis to support the person being abused or attacked, record the incident if you can, and report the incident to authorities,” said Dame Susan. The Commission has also launched a video on its Facebook page that shows victims and witnesses what they can do when they see racial abuse taking place. 

Festival: After this year's success, Lyttleton Summerfest may become an annual tradition

Festival: After this year's success, Lyttleton Summerfest may become an annual tradition
Community group: ISCC completes 20 years of existence

Community group: ISCC completes 20 years of existence