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.

Interview: 2017 will be a landmark in regenerating Christchurch: Albert Brantley, Chief Executive of Otakaro, and a migrant himself

Interview: 2017 will be a landmark in regenerating Christchurch: Albert Brantley, Chief Executive of Otakaro, and a migrant himself

Migrants Centre
Interviews

(caption for the above picture: Albert Brantley, Chief Executive of Otakaro Limited, which is delivering Crown-led anchor projects in Central Christchurch and divesting the balance of Crown land)

Highlights:

  • it's important to tell the story

  • we need to get the community and people more involved

  • all new anchor projects will be inclusive, will appeal to everyone and everybody

  • Christchurch will be the city of future

  • we encourage diversity of thoughts at Otakaro

  • diversity of cultures and migrants have been great for New Zealand

He may very well be - if not the most - then certainly one of the most successful migrants in New Zealand. Having lived in more countries than most people visit in their lifetimes, Brantley is nowadays busy making sure that all the Crown-led anchor projects are delivered on time.

Married to a Kiwi, with three kids - born in Philippines and Guatemala, he returned to New Zealand for good in 2004, after constructing and operating big projects in South America, South East Asia, North America, Pakistan and the UAE. He then joined OceanaGold, followed it with an eight-year-stint with Genesis Energy, before coming on board at Otakaro.

"I am from Western Canada, and have seen places. By virtue of which, I can say that diversity of thoughts is the only way for any organisation or society to grow and prosper. This is what we encourage in Otakaro, and this has what has helped New Zealand. Diversity of cultures and migrants have been great for this country."

"With regards to Otakaro's work, I can assure you that 2017 will be a landmark year in the City's regeneration. Our emphasis is on telling the rebuild story so as to involve more and more communities in the process. We are also making sure that all new anchor projects are inclusive and appeal to everyone and everybody."

Engage with us: Jimmy Chen, chair of Christchurch City Council's multicultural subcommittee

Engage with us: Jimmy Chen, chair of Christchurch City Council's multicultural subcommittee
Regenerate Christchurch: Community puts ideas forward

Regenerate Christchurch: Community puts ideas forward