Healer jailed for sex assault

A Maori healer who sexually abused two women was yesterday jailed for 3 1/2 years.

Christopher Tuaupiki, 63, of Kawhia, Waikato, was found guilty this month of three of five counts of unlawful sexual connection and two counts of indecent assault.

In the High Court at Hamilton yesterday, before a public gallery full of Tuaupiki supporters, Justice Paul Heath said it was "sad that a good reputation has been shattered by acts that occurred on those two occasions".

Tuaupiki assaulted the first woman over six months in 2003 using potatoes, water and a herbal infusion to rid her of a tapu. He assaulted the second woman in February 2004.

- NZPA