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.

Name and shame those who are engaged in exploiting recent immigrants from India, appeals Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi

Name and shame those who are engaged in exploiting recent immigrants from India, appeals Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi

Migrants Centre
Ethnic communities, News

(caption for the above picture: Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi addressing the local Indian community leaders in Christchurch on February 28)

National List MP and Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Minister of Police, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, is encouraging the Indian community to name and shame those who are engaged in exploiting recent immigrants from India.

In an obvious reference to recent cases of Indian employers and private training establishments taken to task by the authorities for exploiting Indian workers and international students, he noted, “While majority of us [immigrants from India] are law abiding people, I am sad to say that few – some employers and education providers – who are indulging in dubious activities are bringing a bad name to the Indian community. It is also hampering New Zealand's international reputation.”

“The co-ethnic exploitation of migrants is a very pertinent issue in today's New Zealand. And I encourage you all to come out and voice your opinion against it.”

The public meeting, which was organised by Minister and MP for Christchurch Central Nicky Wagner, also saw Singh talking about his journey into politics and his experiences of being in the New Zealand Parliament since 2008.

“While we have good representation at the Central level, the Indian community's involvement at the local level is still lacking. I urge you to motivate our younger generation to be more involved in day-to-day affairs of the places they live in. Join school boards, community boards, local councils, St John's, Fire Service or Civil Defence. Whatever suits. But get more involved.” Bakshi added.

Festival of colour: Holi

Festival of colour: Holi

Cinema: Japanese film festival at St Margaret’s College between 15-17 March

Cinema: Japanese film festival at St Margaret’s College between 15-17 March