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.

Canterbury Japan Day: 'Spring in Japan' was the theme this time

Canterbury Japan Day: 'Spring in Japan' was the theme this time

All pictures in this story are courtesy Surinder Tandon, President, Christchurch Multicultural Council.

Hosted by the Japanese Society of Canterbury and co-hosted by the Consular Office of Japan in Christchurch, with sponsorship form the Christchurch City Council, the annual Canterbury Japan Day proved to be a hit with all age-groups, with kids especially liking the Hina dolls retroduced this year. Thousands attended the event held on March 5.

Kazuhiro Matsuzaki, President of the Japanese Society of Canterbury, confirmed the total attendance of 14,500. "While the visitor number is similar to last year, this time, more visitors seemed to have stayed longer and involved themselves in multiple activities. To that extent, that some food stalls were sold out their food by 3pm. People looked having fun, which was the main thing."

"We had a record number of VIP attendance with 40 dignitaries present this year," he added.

Hinamatsuri - Doll's Day, is celebrated on March 3 throughout Japan

Hinamatsuri - Doll's Day, is celebrated on March 3 throughout Japan

Christchurch Mayor Dalziel and Japanese Ambassador to New Zealand Toshihisa Takata beating the rice dough for mochi

Christchurch Mayor Dalziel and Japanese Ambassador to New Zealand Toshihisa Takata beating the rice dough for mochi

'We want our four-month-old daughter back and some time to look for other options', says Indian couple whose child was removed by Child, Youth and Family on February 20

'We want our four-month-old daughter back and some time to look for other options', says Indian couple whose child was removed by Child, Youth and Family on February 20

Festival of colour: Holi

Festival of colour: Holi