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.

StarJam - you rock!

StarJam - you rock!

Migrants Centre
The Third Sector

(caption for the above picture: 27 StarJammers collaborated with musicians from Sydney Conservatorium of Music on April 15 for the organisation's first-ever such concert in Christchurch. Mark Walton conducted the orchestra. The masters of ceremony were jammers Georgia Strangman and Hayden Wright. The highlight of the evening was Mozart's Concerto for 2 Pianos.)

The Joy of Music

"StarJam empowers young people with disabilities through music and performance workshops, so they learn new skills, gain confidence, have fun and grow, educating the wider community of what is possible." - StarJam

Of the 75 children who the organisation works with in Christchurch, 27 took part in the concert - The Joy of Music - held in collaboration with Mark Walton and students from Sydney Conservatorium of Music. 

 Full orchestra and the Dynamic Drumming by StarJam kids

 Full orchestra and the Dynamic Drumming by StarJam kids

Jammer Mark Lewis singing Pokarekare ana

Jammer Mark Lewis singing Pokarekare ana

 Jo Casey, StarJam Christchurch Regional Programmes Coordinator

 Jo Casey, StarJam Christchurch Regional Programmes Coordinator

Some Star jammers tried their hands at conducting the orchestra as well

Some Star jammers tried their hands at conducting the orchestra as well

Profile: Restorative Justice Services Otautahi Christchurch - - provide opportunities for reconciliation for victims of crime, offenders and the community

Profile: Restorative Justice Services Otautahi Christchurch - - provide opportunities for reconciliation for victims of crime, offenders and the community