Huata's lawyers ask for pause in trial

Donna Awatere Huata, the former ACT MP facing fraud charges, will have a day off today after her lawyers asked for more time to prepare the defence.

Awatere Huata and her husband Wi Huata, are being tried on a total of seven charges, including fraud and attempting to pervert the course of justice after allegedly using cash from the Government-funded Pipi Foundation for personal expenses.

The Serious Fraud Office said the couple used Pipi funds to pay for Awatere Huata's stomach stapling operation to reduce her weight, and private school fees for their children.

The jury of nine women and three men was empanelled in the Auckland District Court last week and the three-week trial began on Monday.

The trial is expected to resume on Monday.

- NZPA