Latest news with #Bugden
Otago Daily Times
06-08-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Platform guides course decisions
It is hard to fathom how he does it. Final-year University of Otago medical student Josiah Bugden has somehow also found time to establish a rapidly growing platform to help students navigate university life with confidence. Mr Bugden (25) is a finalist in the Momentum student entrepreneur category in the KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards for CourseSpy, which is about creating transparency in higher education. What started as a side project has evolved into a platform with more than 250,000 visits, which helps students make better and more informed decisions about their tertiary study. CourseSpy was born of Mr Bugden's own frustrations as a student. Prior to embarking on his medical studies, he did a science degree. He said while there were some necessary papers, it required having to "build your degree" and he found it tricky figuring out which papers to take. All he had to go off was the paper title and maybe a couple of sentences, yet there were so many options available, he said. In his hall of residence, friends would pass around Google documents, sharing course advice, and it got him thinking — and tinkering. Teaching himself to code, he built a basic website for students to leave course reviews and also tips and tricks and discovered people liked it. While the website was very unpolished, he saw how students were using it and decided it might be worth putting in more effort and seeing if he could expand the offering and make a viable business. Over last year, he became involved with Startup Dunedin and the Audacious business challenge and Momentum, the national student-led investment committee programme. That provided him with advice on how to take the "next steps" and included getting a team around him, which included his brother Sam, to work on it. What the team wanted to create was a one-stop hub for students to get course advice and it had evolved to be more than a review site, he said. It allowed students to plan their degrees, calculate entrance scores, manage timetables, choose accommodation and access curated study resources. CourseSpy now hosted more than 15,000 course reviews across all eight New Zealand universities and had had about 250,000 page visits, he said. In a recent user survey, the overwhelming majority of student users reported they had changed their future course selections based on insights gained through the platform. In the past year, CourseSpy had also launched Mastery Modules — interactive, adaptive question banks designed to guide students through each lecture and improve their long-term retention and grades. Those modules were built by a team of tutors and high-achieving students to ensure high-quality, course-specific learning support. Mr Bugden said his goal was to continue the rapid growth of CourseSpy by adding tutors and textbooks and further developing Mastery Modules for CourseSpy's proprietary learning platform while looking to expand overseas soon. He acknowledged the juggle between his medical studies and CourseSpy had been "tricky" to manage but said he had enjoyed learning about business and having a great team around him had been pivotal. He now wanted to involve more people in the project to ensure it was sustainable into the future. He was passionate about medicine and was looking forward to working as a doctor next year and it was likely he would take on more of a consulting role with CourseSpy. The winners will be announced at a function in Auckland on October 22.
01-08-2025
- Business
Could U.S. tariffs drive up drug prices? Manitoba bioscience group says it's complicated, but possible
Medicine manufacturers across Canada are on edge with the looming threat of catastrophic tariffs on pharmaceutical exports to the U.S., experts say. Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs as high as 200 per cent on pharmaceuticals exported to the United States. Howard Lutnick, Trump's secretary of commerce, said details about the pharmaceutical tariffs would come at the end of July. The uncertainty this created is starting to reveal itself as stock prices of major pharmaceutical manufacturing companies with operations in Canada — companies like Emergent Biosolutions and Bausch Health — have declined in recent days. If a 200 per cent tariff were to be put into place then I think [pharmaceutical manufacturers] would have to potentially reconsider whether it makes sense to manufacture in Canada, says Shawn Bugden, dean of the school of pharmacy at Memorial University. So what could the impact be in Canada? Given the tariff uncertainty, it's intensely complicated, says Bugden. According to government data, the pharmaceutical industry in Canada represents two per cent (new window) of global market share, and the manufacturing portion of it alone consists of an average of 35,000 jobs since 2019. Enlarge image (new window) Andrea Ladouceur, president and chief executive officer of the Bioscience Association of Manitoba, describes the pharmaceutical industry as the cornerstone of the province's economy. Photo: CBC / Justin Fraser In Manitoba, medicine is one of the leading industries, accounting for between 30-35 per cent of the medicine manufactured in Canada, seven per cent of the province's GDP, and roughly 14,000 jobs, according to Andrea Ladouceur, president of the Bioscience Association of Manitoba. The pharmaceutical industry is the cornerstone of the Manitoba economy, said Ladouceur. If being in Canada becomes unaffordable for them, these companies are connected to the global market and moving out of Canada is not off the table. The danger of these companies leaving is multifaceted. Not only would there be the major economic impact of a shrinking key industry, but we'd also lose the security of having some of the drug supply manufactured here in Canada, according to Bugden. The reliance on international trade for essential goods like medicines has proved risky in the past. During the COVID-19 pandemic, drug shortages (new window) in Canada were not uncommon. If pharmaceutical manufacturers move operations out of the country, it will likely make Canada even more reliant on global markets than they already are: with 70 per cent of drugs imported from foreign countries, 16 per cent of which is imported from the U.S., accounting for nearly $9 billion, according to Bugden. However, Budgen's main concern is that a sizable tariff, like the 200 per cent figure touted by Trump, would undermine Canada's price control mechanisms like the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board and the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance — which he views as major assets to Canadians. The Patented Medicine Prices Review Board — established in 1987 but amended in 2019 — is meant to (new window) ensure that the prices of patented medicines sold in Canada are not excessive. The board reviews the price of drugs and medicine and conducts hearings which may result in orders to reduce prices to a non-excessive level, according to guidelines listed on their website. Shawn Bugden, dean of the school of pharmacy at Memorial University, says if Canadian pharmaceutical companies are hurt by tariffs on imports to the U.S., it could have an impact on the supply of some medicines in Canada. Photo: Submitted by Shawn Bugden Bugden says that as an unintended consequence, implementing such a substantial tariff would likely raise the cost of manufacturing drugs and medicine globally, in turn applying pressure on the review board to break their own rules and allow for higher-priced drugs. The Americans have been transparent, they say they have the highest drug prices in the world, we want to lower them, but we're not going to lower them, which is what they should do and they have the ability to do, we're instead going to try and make everybody else pay higher prices so that it allows our prices to go down, said Bugden. As things stand, many pharmaceutical companies are waiting to see what will happen. CBC News has reached out to several pharmaceutical companies in Manitoba, but none have wanted to comment given the uncertainty of the situation they're facing. Ladouceur says they're fearful that tariffs may force them to increase their prices. At the end of the day, any increase in cost will be passed on to the consumer, says Ladouceur. And so for these companies it is a very hard spot because they know it may put them out of reach for the consumer, and having medicines are key to having a healthy life and sometimes save a life, so they are really concerned their products will become unaffordable for those that need them most. Trump has said that there would be a period — a year, or a year and a half after a tariff would be imposed for companies to get their act together. In light of that, Bugden doesn't think the end consumer will be paying the price for at least a year. I don't think consumers need to worry about the prices changing tomorrow, said Bugden. Keep calm and carry on, don't think you need to run to the drug store and fill up your prescriptions. I'm confident in the institutions we have in Canada to do the best job possible to maintain pricing and accessibility for Canadians, said Bugden.
Otago Daily Times
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
'Completely unacceptable': Second player in sex-video scandal
A second player from a Green Island rugby team has admitted to secretly filming a half-naked woman and posting it to a group chat. The sex-video scandal has now drawn sharp admonishment from New Zealand Rugby (NZR), which denounced the behaviour as "completely unacceptable" and promised to take further action region-wide. Player shared secret sex video with team-mates "We will be working with Otago Rugby Football Union and Green Island Rugby Club to ensure this does not happen again," general manager of community rugby Steve Lancaster said. Coach of the Green Island Rugby Football Club's Premier 2 team — nicknamed "The Battlers" — Stu Turner earlier told the Otago Daily Times the two men would play in this weekend's semifinal against Harbour, but yesterday a club spokesman confirmed the duo had been stood down for the rest of the season. "Firstly, we want to make it absolutely clear that the behaviour reported is completely unacceptable. Our thoughts are firmly with the victim and their whānau during what is undoubtedly a deeply distressing time," the spokesman said. "Green Island has stood the player in question down and he will not be taking the field for the remainder of the season. While we are aware of the comments made by the coach in the media, we wish to clarify that the committee makes decisions of this nature, and we have acted accordingly. "We are aware of a related incident and a second player was before the courts today. We have taken action and stood down this player also." Oliver Bugden, 23, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday where he admitted charges of making and posting an intimate visual recording. The pleas came on the back of his team-mate 24-year-old Thomas Ryan, a co-captain of the team, pleading guilty to identical charges last week. Green Island Rugby Football Club is the reigning club of the year following 2024's annual NZR Awards. Ryan and the teenage victim had consumed alcohol before returning to his home in the early hours of June 8, court documents said. While in the bedroom, the defendant took out his cellphone and recorded a five-second video of the woman performing a sex act. She was unaware of the filming and had not consented to it, police said. Shortly afterwards, Ryan posted the clip to the team's Snapchat group, featuring more than 30 people. "Up the battlers," his caption read. Bugden had viewed the message and when he got back to the house he allegedly entered the bedroom with another associate of the team. "[He] pulled the covers from her and filmed her naked breast and underwear before posting it on the same team Snapchat group," a police summary said. The court heard yesterday there was a minor dispute in Bugden's summary of facts, which was expected to be finalised in the coming weeks. The victim only discovered what had happened when a partner of one of the group members sent the video to associates who recognised her. Mr Turner said the Snapchat group to which the footage was sent was made up of Green Island players, "a bunch of randoms ... and guys from other teams". He described the defendants as "great guys" and put the crimes down to "a one-time drunken mistake, you know, it's really out of character for both of them". The club spokesman yesterday acknowledged the "disappointment and concern this incident has caused our community". In both cases the club was co-operating fully with the appropriate authorities. "[We] will support any process necessary to ensure accountability and care. "Green Island remains committed to the values that have long defined our club — respect, integrity, and responsibility. We are developing a plan to ensure our members are educated on how they can live up to the expectation to behave with integrity off the field." Mr Lancaster said everyone deserved "respect, safety and freedom from abuse". NZR extended its "thoughts to those impacted, acknowledging that incidents of this nature can have deeply distressing effects on individuals and whānau alike". An Ōtepoti Communities Against Sexual Abuse spokesperson said it "condemns all forms of sexual violence and would condemn any organisation that elevated the reputation and wellbeing of perpetrators over that of survivors". Counsel for both Ryan and Bugden requested no convictions be entered against their clients during their respective court appearances, indicating a discharge without conviction would be sought at sentencing. Ryan is scheduled to be sentenced in October, Bugden in November.
Otago Daily Times
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
NZR condemns player conduct
A second player from a Green Island rugby team has admitted to secretly filming a half-naked woman and posting it to a group chat. The sex-video scandal has now drawn sharp admonishment from New Zealand Rugby (NZR), which denounced the behaviour as "completely unacceptable" and promised to take further action region-wide. "We will be working with Otago Rugby Football Union and Green Island Rugby Club to ensure this does not happen again," general manager of community rugby Steve Lancaster said. Coach of the Green Island Rugby Football Club's Premier 2 team — nicknamed "The Battlers" — Stu Turner earlier told the Otago Daily Times the two men would play in this weekend's semifinal against Harbour, but yesterday a club spokesman confirmed the duo had been stood down for the rest of the season. "Firstly, we want to make it absolutely clear that the behaviour reported is completely unacceptable. Our thoughts are firmly with the victim and their whānau during what is undoubtedly a deeply distressing time," the spokesman said. "Green Island has stood the player in question down and he will not be taking the field for the remainder of the season. While we are aware of the comments made by the coach in the media, we wish to clarify that the committee makes decisions of this nature, and we have acted accordingly. "We are aware of a related incident and a second player was before the courts today. We have taken action and stood down this player also." Oliver Bugden, 23, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday where he admitted charges of making and posting an intimate visual recording. The pleas came on the back of his team-mate 24-year-old Thomas Ryan, a co-captain of the team, pleading guilty to identical charges last week. Green Island Rugby Football Club is the reigning club of the year following 2024's annual NZR Awards. Ryan and the teenage victim had consumed alcohol before returning to his home in the early hours of June 8, court documents said. While in the bedroom, the defendant took out his cellphone and recorded a five-second video of the woman performing a sex act. She was unaware of the filming and had not consented to it, police said. Shortly afterwards, Ryan posted the clip to the team's Snapchat group, featuring more than 30 people. "Up the battlers," his caption read. Bugden had viewed the message and when he got back to the house he allegedly entered the bedroom with another associate of the team. "[He] pulled the covers from her and filmed her naked breast and underwear before posting it on the same team Snapchat group," a police summary said. The court heard yesterday there was a minor dispute in Bugden's summary of facts, which was expected to be finalised in the coming weeks. The victim only discovered what had happened when a partner of one of the group members sent the video to associates who recognised her. Mr Turner said the Snapchat group to which the footage was sent was made up of Green Island players, "a bunch of randoms ... and guys from other teams". He described the defendants as "great guys" and put the crimes down to "a one-time drunken mistake, you know, it's really out of character for both of them". The club spokesman yesterday acknowledged the "disappointment and concern this incident has caused our community". In both cases the club was co-operating fully with the appropriate authorities. "[We] will support any process necessary to ensure accountability and care. "Green Island remains committed to the values that have long defined our club — respect, integrity, and responsibility. We are developing a plan to ensure our members are educated on how they can live up to the expectation to behave with integrity off the field." Mr Lancaster said everyone deserved "respect, safety and freedom from abuse". NZR extended its "thoughts to those impacted, acknowledging that incidents of this nature can have deeply distressing effects on individuals and whānau alike". An Ōtepoti Communities Against Sexual Abuse spokesperson said it "condemns all forms of sexual violence and would condemn any organisation that elevated the reputation and wellbeing of perpetrators over that of survivors". Counsel for both Ryan and Bugden requested no convictions be entered against their clients during their respective court appearances, indicating a discharge without conviction would be sought at sentencing. Ryan is scheduled to be sentenced in October, Bugden in November.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Brisbane Broncos forward tipped to follow Jordan Mailata and leave NRL for NFL career
Dwane Bugden of the NFL Player's Association has revealed they've identified a number of NRL players who could switch to American Football, with Brisbane Broncos monster Ben Te Kura at the top of their list. Jordan Mailata became the first Aussie to play in a winning Super Bowl this week, helping the Philadelphia Eagles take down the Kansas City Chiefs. Mailata switched to American Football in 2018 when he realised he wasn't going to make it as an NRL player, and last year cashed in with a $105 million contract extension. The 27-year-old played Under-20s with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, but was only offered a $5000 contract by the Bunnies because of concerns around his fitness and inability to play long stints on the field. Mailata was encouraged to find a sport that was more suited to his size and fitness levels, and American football proved to be perfect. Bigger men can thrive in the NFL due to the constant stoppages in play. Bugden, who works as a contract advisor for the NFL Player's Association, reckons Te Kura could follow in Mailata's footsteps. The 21-year-old is the tallest player in the NRL at 205cm, but his career has been limited to three games so far due to injuries. 'I think he would be perfectly suited to the NFL,' Bugden said on SEN radio this week. 'He's 6-foot-8 so he's a bit taller than Jordan, but he's athletic. He's got that great arm span, fast feet, he's intelligent and that's what they look for… a kid like that. The NRL is a fast game and Jordan in the under 20s was a good player, but his size and the speed of that game would've made it super hard for him to get up and down and back and forth those 10 metres all game.' RELATED: Corey Parker set to 'leave everything' in $3 million move with wife Twist in Broncos hooker dilemma as young gun suffers injury Te Kura is contracted to the Broncos until the end of 2027. But Bugden reckons Mailata's $105 million contract and Super Bowl success might be tempting for a lot of young NRL players - especially ones struggling to crack first-grade. Te Kura appears right on the cusp of being in Michael Maguire's 17, but could easily find himself in reserve grade in 2025. 'The NRL could possibly lose a lot of these younger guys because they love the American sports,' Bugden said. 'They are big and athletic, and I think the game suits them more than the NRL for some of those kids, and I think that's what the NFL is here for. I think the game of NRL might lose those guys at an earlier age.' Mailata is one of four Australians to play in a Super Bowl but the only winner. Punters Ben Graham (Arizona, 2009), Mitch Wishnowsky (San Francisco, 2020) and Arryn Siposs (Philadelphia, 2023) all played on losing teams in the Super Bowl, while Mailata was also part of the Eagles team who lost two years ago. Jesse Williams got a Super Bowl ring with the Seattle Seahawks in 2014, but didn't play due to injury.
