Is Multicultural Times not for Pākehā/ Kiwis of European descent?

Since our launch on August 1, we have received numerous messages from across the country. Mostly congratulatory, but with one concern.

As one reader very graciously wrote, “Congratulations and I wish your endeavour every and sustained success!”. “But do note”, the reader goes on to add, “New Zealander’s of UK decent are [also] a cultural group in New Zealand! Your (Kiwi) representation of cultural groups – does not include this very sizeable and influential group at all levels in society. After watching Sunday last night on the two Canadians rhetoric on free speech on racial issues – [I think] we need to find a way to include New Zealander’s of UK decent in our discourse of cultural diversity, and should do so from the very beginning. Now.”

Another reader wrote, “Having read your newspaper today, I feel quite excluded in my own culture as nowhere is there any reference to Pākehā or tauiwi being part of our multicultural society. My great grandparents and one grandparent migrated to New Zealand from Ireland between 1860 and 1875.  So I am a child of migrants. I understand that I am well removed from the challenges that recent migrants have to face. But I would like to be recognised, otherwise this is just another magazine that is exclusive in its content.”

And many such verbal and written messages, which essentially raise the same question. Is Multicultural Times not for Pākehā/ Kiwis of European descent?

The answer is - it most definitely is. 

Multicultural Times considers Pākehā or New Zealanders of European decent as much a part of New Zealand's multicultural society, as anyone else. When we say we aim cover all the 200 plus ethnicities in Aoteroa, it includes Māori, Pākehā, and the rest.

It’s true that sometimes in the discussion about multiculturalism in New Zealand, this section [Pākehā/ Kiwis of European descent] is not included. This is wrong, and we will always avoid it in our newspaper.

So our appeal to all Pākehā/ Kiwis of European descent is this.

Please treat Multicultural Times as your voice too, and do guide us from time-to-time in matters of public interest, which you want your newspaper to cover.