IHC fraudster jailed for three years

An IHC fundraising manager who admitted ripping it off for almost $600,000 was today sentenced to three years imprisonment.

Lynn Fiebig, 56, in January admitted 72 charges of defrauding IHC, which provides support for intellectually disabled people and their families,

Wellington District Court was told that between October 2006 and May 2009, Fiebig created 74 invoices from three bogus companies, making $590,000 from her fraudulent activities.

Fieberg apologised for her offending which Judge Bruce Davidson said had been a "devastating blow" for one of the country's most respected support agencies.

Fiebig used some of the money to help set up the five-star Ahuru Lodge near Ohakune with her partner.

IHC said in a victim impact report that it had sought an independent valuation of the lodge and its business viability, and it was clear the business would be sold at a considerable loss compared to what had been spent on it.

With other businesses having prior claim over the property, money owed to Inland Revenue and to other creditors, it was "very doubtful" IHC would get any reparation.

- NZPA