Awatere not a victim of justice, says Prebble

Donna Awatere-Huata with husband Wi just after she returned to her home. Picture / Hawke's Bay Today

Donna Awatere Huata's release from Arohata Prison on home detention was greeted yesterday with a hint of cynicism by her former parliamentary colleague and Act party leader Richard Prebble.

While Mr Prebble was quick to "wish her all the best", he said it was disappointing that she continued "to pretend that she is somehow a victim of justice".

Awatere Huata - who was convicted of fraud and jailed last September - was given an enthusiastic welcome home by about 20 children from the local Bridge Pa kohanga reo, near Hastings.

The youngsters lined the driveway of her home waving banners and placards in a greeting akin to a hero's homecoming.

Awatere Huata and her husband, Wi Huata, were last year found guilty of four charges of fraud and one joint charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

They stole more than $80,000 from the Government-funded Pipi Foundation, set up to help underprivileged Maori children develop literacy and social skills.

It is understood the Parole Board would not allow the community to hold a welcome function for Awatere Huata at the kohanga reo yesterday.

When Awatere Huata arrived she did not get out of the car, but waved to the children lined along her drive.

The children then performed a haka for her.

Awatere Huata continued to her house, but returned a short time later, accompanied by her husband, and spoke with waiting media representatives.

Awatere Huata's sister-in-law Huia Huata said children at the kohanga reo wanted to "wish Aunty Donna all the best".

She said everybody had been looking forward to Awatere Huata's homecoming, "particularly her children who haven't seen her for more than three months".

"So it's been a long time and I spoke with Donna this morning briefly and she was telling me this was the happiest day of her life. There's a bit of excitement and buzz around the place at the moment."

Ms Huata said a party was planned for last night.

"Our community are fully in support of our Aunty Donna coming home."

Mr Prebble said it was a shame that Awatere Huata continued to deny she did anything wrong.

"I'm afraid it isn't so. However I'm not surprised [at her protestations of innocence].

"I've always said that she would bounce back with a new hair-do and a new public role. She's a tremendously talented woman and I hope she directs her talents appropriately."

It was pleasing to see that Awatere Huata's children were getting their mother back, Mr Prebble said.

He said that although he accepted the rules on home detention, he did not think it appropriate that fraud was treated with such leniency.

"I have been in the past, and remain, critical of the way home detention is written - because white-collar criminals basically spend very little time in jail."

Awatere Huata was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison and her husband was sentenced to two years (although he was later released on bail).

The pair will appeal against their convictions and sentences in October.

Awatere Huata's lawyer, Jeremy Bioletti, said his argument would be based on factual and legal issues.