A Victoria University of Wellington student who had his smartphone stolen by a university caretaker says he has given up his doctorate and scholarship because the university did nothing to keep him safe.
Employee Arana Kenny remains employed at the university despite admitting the theft when he appeared in Wellington District Court this week.
British student Chris Cherry said that since the theft, about six months ago, he had not felt comfortable at the university.
"The position where he is employed, he's got keys to all the buildings and he got keys to all the offices.''
The university offered restorative justice to Mr Cherry, with Kenny writing a letter of apology and buying him a new sim card - which Mr Cherry refused.