New Wave publication project

A book put together by Media Arts staff and students records the journeys of 18 migrants who now live in Hamilton, but were born outside New Zealand​. The New Wave: Hamilton’s Migrant Community, looks at the growing diversity of Hamilton’s population.  While 70 percent of Hamilton is broadly defined as European, and 20 percent as Māori and Pasifika, there are also citizens from 160 ethnic backgrounds. Journalism tutor Charles Riddle says it is this last 10 percent of the city's population that is fascinatingly diverse and makes for interesting reading. Around 15 students worked on the publication under the expert guidance of editor in residence Aimie Cronin. The project team also worked closely with the Hamilton Migrant Centre and the Hamilton City Council. The book is the first phase in a two-year project which will culminate with an exhibition in the Waikato Museum.