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.

Excellence: Abhinav Manota, a migrant, wins national badminton championship

Excellence: Abhinav Manota, a migrant, wins national badminton championship

Migrants Centre
Sports

(caption for the above picture: Abhinav Manota in action; picture courtesy Abhinav Manota and Badminton New Zealand)

Abhinav Manota, an Indian immigrant who came to New Zealand in 2014, to study Diploma in Business and Enterprise Management (Level 7) from Christchurch-based Abacus Institute of Studies, is now the new Zealand men's singles champion in Badminton.

In the recently concluded New Zealand National Championships and North Harbour Open, Manota defeated Edward Lau. Manota was leading the first game by 20-4 when Lau retired due to injury.

To top it, Manota partnered with Justine Villegas to defeat Lau again in the mixed doubled final, who was partnering with Alyssa Tagle. The match score was 21-17, 21-17.

Manota couldn't complete a treble of titles when he and his men's double partner Dylan Soedjasa was beaten by the reigning Oceania Junior champions Oscar Guo and Dacmen Vong. The hard fought match, which lasted 53 minutes, ended with the scoreline of 21-18, 20-22, 26-24.

Manota, who turned 25 recently, and works as Development Officer at the North Shore Badminton Association, credited his wins to years of hard work. He was the Punjab [a state in India] champion when he moved to Christchurch three years back.

Describing his journey, he said, "Along with my studies, I started playing with Badminton Canterbury players when I was a bit settled in Christchurch. That gave me an opportunity to represent Canterbury in the nationals. Dylan saw my potential and invited me to shift to North Shore so that we can train together. I did. Nowadays, I train at least four hours everyday, and have equipment sponsorship from Badminton New Zealand. Their support in my success has been great."

"As I am still only a NZ resident, I can't represent the country in tournaments such as the Olympics or the Commonwealth. But I intend to play at least 3-4 open tournaments this year," he added.             

- All pictures in the above story are courtesy Badminton New Zealand.

- All pictures in the above story are courtesy Badminton New Zealand.

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