Woman jailed for two decades of benefit fraud

A 66-year-old woman who fraudulently claimed benefits totalling more than $160,000 over two decades was jailed today.

Tauariki Pokoati, who was convicted of 19 fraud charges and sentenced to 22 months in jail, could barely be seen over the dock of Wellington District Court as her lawyer Marc Lillico pleaded against an immediate lock-up.

He said there was no dispute a jail term was warranted, but requested leave to apply for home detention.

Pokoati had been cooperative with authorities, had no previous convictions and had lived a useful life in the community.

She had brought up children and grandchildren and was very much a part of Wellington's Cook Island's community, Mr Lillico said.

Pokoati had been paying reparation at a "glacial pace", given the large sum, and was unlikely to pay off the full amount in her lifetime.

Pokoati did not offend out of greed, but out of a perceived need to care for her children and grandchildren and a perceived lack of contribution from her husband, Mr Lillico said.

She was acutely embarrassed by her situation, he said.

Judge Michael Behrens said Pokoati used two names to wrongfully claim benefits over a 20-year period.

Pokoati smiled and nodded when Judge Behrens said he would have to send her to prison.

Although married, Pokoati lived separately from her husband but visited him from time to time.

She claimed a single person's sickness benefit and accommodation supplement under another name. Under her own name she received payments as the partner of her husband who was getting superannuation payments.

Each of the charges carried a maximum penalty of one year in jail, Judge Behrens said.

He gave Pokoati leave to apply for home detention but said she would spend some time in prison while the Parole Board considered the application.

Judge Behrens said Pokoati had led an otherwise blameless life.

- NZPA