Safety app available to students

Launched in Rotorua last week, the app was designed by Toi Ohomai external contractor Paramdip Singh for anyone to get help quickly if they have concerns about their safety.

The app works similarly to a panic button – pressing the app icon sends an emergency message to all nominated contacts and begins voice recording the surroundings.

The pre-embedded message reads "PLEASE HELP", but can be customised if people wish. The message also includes the user's GPS location.

Graeme Rennie, Head of International at Toi Ohomai, said it is a great initiative invented in Rotorua for the benefit of international students and the community.

The app is free to download from the Google play store.