Two repeat benefit fraudsters have been sentenced after unlawfully claiming benefits worth $53,000 and $22,000 respectively.
The Napier District Court heard on Friday that Emmarina Thomasina Huirua, 47, claimed $53,000 worth of benefits she was not entitled to over seven years.
Judge Tony Adeane said she had also been convicted in 2004 of another benefit fraud totalling $16,000.
He told her: "You are someone who has now twice been convicted of stealing funds from the community."
In the most recent theft Judge Adeane told the court Huirua was employed full-time while also claiming a benefit.