Former immigration boss charged with fraud

Former Immigration service boss Mary Anne Thompson has appeared in court on fraud charges.

She faced three counts of using a document for pecuniary advantage when she appeared in Wellington District Court on Friday, Radio New Zealand reported.

Thompson resigned after being accused of a conflict of interest for allegedly helping family members gain residency in New Zealand.

A State Services Commission report, written by chief legal adviser David Shanks, found her family members residency application forms were approved despite being late and against the approving official's advice.

Mr Shanks also said Thompson did not advise anyone of her involvement in their immigration and the department failed to investigate properly when concerns were raised.

Thompson will reappear in court next month.

- NZPA