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.

Protest: "March for Democracy" in Christchurch

Protest: "March for Democracy" in Christchurch

Migrants Centre
The Third Sector

Hundreds of protesters from a range of civil society organisations including NZ Council of Trade Unions (CTU), Public Services Association (PSA), FIRST Union, Greenpeace, 350.org, Oxfam New Zealand, SAFE for Animals and It’s Our Future, came out on the Riccarton Road in Christchurch on September 10, for what they called “a Day of Action that will affirm our democratic rights and support initiatives to build a fairer and more sustainable society”.

Anti-TPPA protestors marching on Riccarton Road in Christchurch on September 10

Anti-TPPA protestors marching on Riccarton Road in Christchurch on September 10

Barry Coates, national coordinator of It’s Our Future explained the motivation behind the rally: “This is a time when families are struggling with high housing costs, insecure work and stagnant wages. Our rivers and seas are being polluted, our native species are being wiped out and we are failing to curb climate emissions.”

The gathering at the Shand Crescent Reserve, Riccarton Rd, where live music and speeches were held. John Minto who is the Keep Our Assets candidate for Christchurch mayoralty was also present

The gathering at the Shand Crescent Reserve, Riccarton Rd, where live music and speeches were held. John Minto who is the Keep Our Assets candidate for Christchurch mayoralty was also present

Gen de Spa, also from It's Our Future Christchurch, when asked about the need for an anti- TPPA (Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement) rally given the uncertainty surrounding the impending US elections, said, “While it's true that both Trump and Hillary have taken an anti-TPPA stand, we believe that they will change once they assume office.” Meanwhile, Rachel Thomas – a well-known activist – after the protest rally, announced her plans to march from Christchurch to Wellington. “Starting October 15 and finishing on the Guy Fawkes weekend which is also the anniversary of Parihaka, a significant day in our history which inspired Gandhi to peaceful protest,” she informed.

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Canterbury Migrants Centre's Big Spring Carpark and Sausage Sizzle event

Canterbury Migrants Centre's Big Spring Carpark and Sausage Sizzle event
Volunteering: We want more youth and men to volunteer - VolCan

Volunteering: We want more youth and men to volunteer - VolCan