Warning for period tracking app users
Experts are warning women who use period tracking apps are a goldmine for advertisers, and information from them - in the wrong hands - could result in risks to job prospects, workplace monitoring, health insurance discrimination, cyberstalking, and limit access to abortion. Otago University associate professor Bryndl Hohmann-Marriott spoke to Charlotte Cook.
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RNZ News
28 minutes ago
- RNZ News
Neurodivergent student quits University of Canterbury after being accused of cheating
A neurodiverse adult student has abandoned his tertiary degree after being accused of cheating. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon A neurodivergent adult student has abandoned his tertiary degree after being accused of cheating by the University of Canterbury. David* is an adult student with Asperger's syndrome and ADHD. His conditions meant he was allowed use a computer for spell-checking in exams, but he was accused of accessing the internet during an exam in June. It took six weeks for the university to clear him of wrong-doing and David said the process was drawn out, lacked inclusivity, and the stress it caused him affected his physical and mental health. But the University of Canterbury defended its handling of the matter, saying its standard processes were followed. David's early years of schooling were marred by memories of shame and being treated as the "naughty boy" due to his conditions . But now in his 30s, after encouragement from his wife, he decided to become the first person in his family to go to university. The first year and a half of his study went well, reaffirming his decision to pursue a Bachelor of Arts. "It took me probably a good year to convince him to go to university and give it a go," his wife, Margaret*, told RNZ. "I went when I was in my 20s, so I'm like 'I know you, you're very intelligent, you will thrive there' and he was. His first year and a half was great. Everybody was saying he actually found his place. "I'd spent a long time in my life working menial middle-range jobs and I thought why not give it a shot, and I've thrived up until this point. I'm sitting on a decent GPA, which is sort of unexpected," David added. However, it was not without its difficulties and his neurodiversity entitled him to use a computer for spell-checking during his exams. That was where the problem arose. While sitting a 200-level closed-book exam on 9 June, an exam officer told David he had seen him access Google using the computer. David said he had no intention of going into Google and he believed it opened as a result of a hyperlink in the word processing programme he was using for spell checking. After explaining that to the officer, he assumed that was the end of it. More than two weeks later, on 25 June, he received an email: "I have had a matter referred to me by the Proctors Office. The allegation against you is that you accessed the internet on two separate occasions in a closed book exam". David met with the proctor the next day. "I said 'if anything's happened, it's purely by mistake. It might have accidentally opened an external tab. That wasn't my intention'," David said. "She turned round and said to me 'well, look, sometimes we make mistakes. We all make mistakes and sometimes it's easier just to own up and admit it and we can make this go through a lot smoother'." David said he reiterated his innocence and the proctor responded by telling him "well the process is going to be a long, drawn-out one then". He left the meeting feeling as if his guilt had been decided. "I said to [my wife] they're going to find me guilty anyway," he said. "We even started putting together an appeals process because that was the opinion I got when I met the proctor - they had already determined my guilt." Then came silence. David received his exam results, but his grade for the paper in question was not published. On 8 July, he reached out to the proctor. "I am still investigating this case and waiting for a reply to an internal email I sent on 30 June. This process may have been delayed due to the term break and colleagues taking annual leave. I have followed up with the colleague concerned and hopefully I receive a reply soon," the proctor's response said. Margaret said the stress and anxiety it caused David was difficult to watch. "This has been really heartbreaking to see him just lose all this faith in this institution and just crumble beneath the really poor policies," she said. David said he felt awful. "Disenfranchised. Embarrassed. I try to keep my neurodiversity hidden and the fact that I opened myself up enough to tell UC, I feel like they abused my trust," he said. By 13 July, his GP was so concerned he wrote a letter to the university on David's behalf. "Based on [David's] account, these allegations appear to be unfounded and the way they have been handled has had a profound impact on both his mental and physical health," the letter said. "[He] reports that he was given very limited support when informed of these accusations, and the process appears to have lacked appropriate sensitivity . He has since experienced severe psychological distress, including panic attacks, and I have noted a marked deterioration in his overall well-being." Finally, on 24 July, four weeks after his meeting with the proctor, David received an email clearing him of wrongdoing. "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me on 26 June 2025. I appreciate the honest and open conversation and as discussed; I am following up formally advising you of the outcome of this referral," the letter started. "As indicated at our hui I have investigated this allegation and gathered the necessary information required to make an informed decision regarding this referral from UC Concerns. I appreciate your patience while I have done so and with the information before me, I have reached the decision that you did not breach the University Academic Misconduct Regulations." There was no apology and no further explanation. "No sorry for the stress. No sorry for the accusation. Just we carried out our process and we consider it the end of the situation," David said. The University of Canterbury needed to assess whether its processes were suitable for neurodiverse students, he said. His treatment meant he no longer felt safe to pursue his studies and he would not be returning next year to complete his degree. Instead, David had used his credits to attain a certificate and diploma of arts. "It feels like they've actually stolen part of my future identity because I'm actually the first person in my family to go to university," he said. "I was hoping that some of the nieces and nephews would actually follow me in, but not after this experience." The university did not directly address RNZ's questions about whether an apology was warranted. In a statement, the University of Canterbury defended how it handled David's concerns. However, in a statement it said: "[David]'s case was managed in line with our normal academic misconduct process, which, by necessity, takes time to investigate thoroughly and ensure fairness. "[David] participated in a closed book exam on 9 June. For closed book exams, students are advised that they may not refer to any course materials or other resources during the exam. The two exam supervisors reported that during the exam, on two separate occasions, they observed [David] opening an internet page on the device he was using during the exam. "It is usual process for students to be invited to attend a meeting with a Proctor to discuss an allegation of academic misconduct, and they are able to bring a support person. "The UC Proctor's recollection of the meeting differs from that of [David]. The Proctor explained that this was an initial meeting to discuss the allegation and to give [David] an opportunity to respond. The process moving forward was also discussed, including that there would be a period of investigation, which could take some time factoring in minor delays such as UC's mid-year exams, the Proctor being on leave for part of this period, and the course coordinator also being unavailable for a time. [David] was advised of the timing, and the investigation was completed within that timeframe. "At the time of the first meeting, the Proctor did not have access to [David]'s neurodiversity information, as this is securely managed through UC's Accessibility Service for formal exam and learning arrangements. [David] shared this information with the Proctor during the meeting to explain why he had special exam arrangements in place. "The academic misconduct process that was followed in [David]'s case has been reviewed by UC's Head Proctor, in response to the concerns raised by [David]. The review confirmed that UC's standard processes were followed and that [David] was given a fair opportunity to respond. "Following the completion of the investigation, the Proctor determined that academic misconduct had not occurred. "[David]'s privacy complaint has been investigated by UC's Privacy Officer, and a response has been provided to him on 4 August. The Privacy Officer determined that no privacy breach occurred." David and Margaret have also complained to the Human Rights Commission and the Ombudsman. *Not their real names Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
an hour ago
- RNZ News
Clinic, operator see rise in NZ medical tourism to Turkey
At least five New Zealand groups offer assisted medical package deals to Turkey and they all started within the last two years. Photo: 123RF Istanbul may almost be on the other side of the world, but that is not stopping rising numbers of New Zealanders heading there for medical and dental treatment. Even when you include flights and accomodation, bariatric surgery in Turkey is significantly cheaper than getting it done privately in New Zealand. There are at least five New Zealand groups offering assisted medical package deals to Turkey and they all started within the last two years. One of them is Oceanscape group, run by Moana McCrae. Originally from Rotorua, she has lived in Bodrum on the Turkish coast for the past five years. She said New Zealand was increasingly seen as a fertile market . "In recent weeks we were approached by a hospital purely because we dealt with the New Zealand market," she told First Up . "They had seen some other hospitals doing the same and from what they're told, New Zealanders have higher obesity rates , [among] the worst in the world. "As well as that, our waiting list is huge, costs, affordability, accessibility, all of that, basically makes for them New Zealand an attractive market" The Vera clinic is a Turkish facility that offers hair transplants, cosmetic surgery and dental treatment. Marketing director Umut Öztürk says they've had a 650 percent rise in New Zealand patients this year, with the vast majority coming for dental work. He says cost is the number one reason people from other countries travel for dental work: "The same treatment for dental in their country is at least 10 times more than Turkey." While that does not quite apply to New Zealand, our dental costs are significantly higher. A single dental implant in Turkey costs around NZ$600 to $2000, depending on materials used. In Auckland, you are looking at approximately $5000 to $8000. Vera clinic's huge rise in Kiwi clients is no accident. It has advertised on a New Zealand news website and has collaborated with two Māori influencers. Turkey is not the only location experiencing a surge in medical tourism. Raywyn Short is travelling from Paeroa to Mumbai next month for a double knee replacement. "My knees are really sore. I can't stand for any real length of time. I can't do the things with my little great-grandson that I used to," she said. She is expecting to pay around NZ$20,000 for her surgery. She was quoted $31,000 to have one knee done privately here, and she was not prepared to go on the public waiting list. "I'm going to be 75 in February and the way that the health system here is I'd probably be around about 77 before I even got anything done here. I'm becoming more and more incapitated and inactive." Raywyn's husband died of cancer when she was in her 50s. She had to leave her job to care for him, and when she returned to the workforce, could no longer pay for health insurance. Raywyn chose India after reading about Claire Olsen, a Kiwi nurse who had a double hip replacement in Mumbai earlier this year Like Claire, Raywyn's surgery and travel is being arranged by Jackie Brown, who runs Bums, Tums and Gums. Brown, a travel industry veteran started the company in 2014 after getting a facelift in Thailand. The majority of her trips have been to Thailand and Mexico, but India is taking off. She has been impressed by the standard of care and the variety of treatments on offer. "They had dental there, they have everything. I mean they literally have everything from transplants to heart valve treatment, spinal fusion. They have everything." But medical tourism is not without risks . According to UK media reports, between 2019 and March 2024, 28 Britons died due to complications from surgery in Turkey. Just last week, a British man died after undergoing treatment at a hair transplant clinic in the Istanbul suburb of Besiktas. There have been no reports of New Zealand fatalities. But last year, 10 Turkish hospitals, including one where Kiwis were having weight-loss surgery, were shut after a corruption investigation following the deaths of 10 babies. McCrae's Oceanscape group did not work with that hospital. She said being based in Turkey allowed her to carefully choose which providers she used. "We vet all surgeons. I actually have my own medical consultant who will provide the background of many of the surgeons as well. Then there's different portals or ways to find that information if you know where to look that are credible, like JCI accreditation." Turkish Clinics and hospitals catering to foreign clients must be certified by the Turkish ministry of health. McCrae encouraged anyone considering treatment overseas to check qualifications thoroughly, and to have a video consultation with the surgeon. Robin Whyman of the New Zealand Dental Association. Photo: Supplied Robin Whyman of the New Zealand dental association urged people to look locally first. "People should talk to a dentist in New Zealand and find out what is actually involved in having the care done here," he said. "There are always options and there a lot of protections that come with having care undertaken in New Zealand. With a New Zealand practitioner, you know, obviously the registration side of that, but also the protections of things like the Health and Disability Commission and ACC around, particularly things like treatment injury." But he acknowledged people were struggling with the cost of dental care in New Zealand. "It's one of the things the Dental Association is talking about on a wide basis and talking about with New Zealand health system funders and others about how can we make dentistry more accessible. So of course we're concerned about that, but we're also concerned that what looks to be an upfront cost may not be the real cost of having dentistry done overseas." For many Kiwis, it is still a risk they are willing to take. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
2 hours ago
- RNZ News
Christchurch man killed mother with sword
Beverley and Nick McIlraith lived in a three-storey duplex townhouse owned by a family trust. Photo: Nathan McKinnon A reclusive Christchurch man who was his mother's sole caregiver killed her in bed with a sword, a coroner has found. Nicholas McIlraith, 46, then took his own life, with police only discovering their bodies in their Riccarton home weeks later, the day after his mother Beverley McIlraith's 80th birthday. Officers had gone to the house to do a welfare check, after relatives could not reach her by phone. Flowers and a parcel had not been collected from the front door. In a report released on Wednesday, Coroner Katharine Greig found the McIlraiths died on or about 6-7 March 2022. Evidence from the scene showed Beverley McIlraith was attacked on her bed by her son, who struck her multiple times with a sword that was found in the garage. The coroner found Nicholas, commonly known as Nick, died by suicide, but she could not reach a conclusion as to why he killed his mother. "It is quite possible that he became overwhelmed with the level of ongoing care he needed to provide to his mother and in this context he made the fatal attack. It is also possible that his mother's declining health (mental and/or physical) upset Nick deeply," she said. "It is apparent that by the time Mrs McIlraith died, her care needs were considerable and had been for some time. She was reliant on Nick for care with all activities of daily living - including personal hygiene, food preparation, laundry, shopping, monitoring of her diabetes, ensuring she had her medication (including daily insulin) and so on. "In the final analysis it is not known why Nick attacked his mother and inflicted fatal injuries." Beverley and Nick McIlraith lived in a three-storey duplex townhouse owned by a family trust. Nick had lived with his mother for more than 20 years. She was suffering from dementia and her poor mobility meant she was essentially housebound and confined to her third floor bedroom. Coroner Greig said Nick's brother Matthew McIlraith described him and his mother as very close. "Matthew said that from what he had observed, Nick genuinely cared for his mother and appeared to be looking after her and doing his best. He had never thought Nick posed a threat in any way to his mother," she said. "However, he described the state of the house as 'pretty disgusting'. He said that he and his other siblings would have preferred for Mrs McIlraith to be in a rest home - in part because his mother was old and frail and the house was not suitable as she had a bedroom on the third floor, which wasn't ideal or very safe. However, Nick did not want her to go into a rest home." Matthew McIIraith described his brother as quite controlling of his mother, who had a number of long-term medical conditions, and reluctant to let anyone into the house. The coroner said health professionals dealing with Beverley McIlraith encouraged her and Nick to accept home-based care and to consider respite care, but this help was largely refused. Both mother and son were observed to be somewhat reclusive and private. The coroner said Beverley McIlraith's general practitioner last visited her in January 2022 and reported that although it was far from an ideal situation, she appeared to be in good spirits and clearly did not want anyone interfering in her life. "None of the healthcare providers who had contact with her raised concern that her mental capacity was sufficiently affected by the diagnosed dementia that she was not competent to express her views on these issues," the coroner said. While there were concerns from Beverley McIIraith's extended family and health professionals that her living situation was less than ideal, and some concern about Nick's ability to care for her, the evidence showed she was content living at home with her son and wanted to remain there, the coroner said. "The evidence shows that health professionals dealing with Mrs McIlraith acted professionally and responsively despite the difficulties they had engaging with Mrs McIlraith and Nick," she said. The coroner said Beverley and Nick McIIraith's deaths were a tragedy for their family and concerning and destabilising for those who cared for her and the wider community. "It is tempting to say with the benefit of hindsight, 'if only someone had intervened, this tragedy may have been prevented'. However, as is set out in these findings, when and on what basis such an intervention might have been made is not clear," she said. "Mrs McIlraith and Nick were reclusive, and offers of help were rebuffed. Notwithstanding this, Mrs McIlraith's health and care needs were being monitored as was Nick's capacity to provide the care she required. Nick was aware of the help that was available to Mrs McIlraith and how to access it. No one had identified that Nick posed a risk to his mother or that he may have been 'at the end of his tether'." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
