Kharl WiRepa in 2022. Photo / NZME
Funders of the Miss Rotorua Foundation, previously run by convicted fraudster Kharl WiRepa, say they were mostly satisfied with its spending of public money.
However, Rotorua Trust, which provided $120,000 over three years, says it became concerned during its final year of funding and declined to renew its deal with the foundation.
Last month, WiRepa pleaded guilty in the Rotorua District Court to fraud charges relating to personal spending of thousands of dollars raised for charity by his Miss Rotorua Pageant contestants.
The former reality TV star, who had previously been open about battling methamphetamine addiction, admitted fraud charges amounting to about $8000, as well as burglary and shoplifting.
Court documents released to the Rotorua Daily Post showed that, in one offence, he ran into Farmers Rotorua wearing a Spider-Man mask and gloves, with plastic bags on his feet, and stole fragrance packs.
He also admitted shoplifting groceries worth more than $760, obtaining $2120 by deception from a fashion colleague, and obtaining a total of $6314 by deception from nine Miss Rotorua contestants.
He spent the money the contestants had raised for charity at liquor outlets and SkyCity, and made cash withdrawals.
A fashion colleague had given him money to arrange a trip to London Fashion Week, but he spent that too.
WiRepa denied the allegations for more than a year before changing his plea to guilty on March 9, when he was to stand trial.
A police summary of facts said WiRepa received funding for his role as director of the Miss Rotorua Foundation, which ran the pageant.
The Miss Rotorua account, which received grants from the Rotorua Trust and other payments intended for the foundation, rapidly depleted before WiRepa’s arrest in December 2024.
The summary said this account showed no charitable spending, only day-to-day personal spending, including purchases at petrol stations, nightclubs, liquor stores and takeaways.
WiRepa was not charged with any offence related to public funding.
The Rotorua Trust told the Rotorua Daily Post in a statement that it was aware of the recent court proceedings.
It said the trust provided the Miss Rotorua Foundation with $40,000 a year between 2022 and 2024.
This was for the lease of the foundation’s community centre on Pukuatua St, where the Miss Rotorua pageant and the foundation’s employment and wellbeing programmes were based.
The foundation was said to provide a base for free courses, as well as other social services, aimed at improving the lives of rangatahi and whānau.
Rotorua Trust funds 10 community organisations in a similar way over three years to help with operational costs.
The trust said reporting provided during the funding period indicated the funds were used for the intended purpose.
“Following concerns that emerged in the final year of the three-year agreement, funding from Rotorua Trust was not renewed beyond 2024.”
Court documents showed WiRepa was living at the foundation’s property at the time of his arrest.
Rotorua Lakes Council said it provided $20,000 for the foundation in 2021-22.
The Large Neighbourhood Matching Fund grant was used to support the venue fit‑out.
Council community experience group manager Alex Wilson said funding applications were assessed for eligibility by staff, and decisions were made by a panel of community and elected representatives.
Grants were not allocated to individuals, and all recipients had to complete an accountability report detailing how the money was spent and the outcomes.
Wilson said the foundation met all funding criteria, and a “satisfactory” accountability report was received.
“All expenditure related to the fit‑out was fully reported, with receipts provided.”
WiRepa pleaded guilty to two other charges last year relating to the same crime spree at the end of 2024 and the start of 2025.
Those charges included burglary and unlawfully being on a property.
He had earlier pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine and cannabis, burglary of a lamp and shoplifting cosmetics.
The drug charges stemmed from police raiding the Miss Rotorua Foundation premises on Pukuatua St in December 2024.
WiRepa was convicted of benefit fraud in 2017, totalling $11,844.16.
WiRepa was previously supported publicly by Destiny Church leaders Brian and Hannah Tamaki.
The Tamakis went with him to London in 2022 to support him at fashion shows.
Hannah Tamaki posted on her Facebook page in November that she was sad to read about his charges.
“Addiction is a curse, as much as it has disappointed many of us. I will say this, my cousin. I disapprove of what you did. I still love you, and where possible, help you on your healing and recovery journey. There are still people here. Only you hold the keys to make that journey.”
WiRepa replied in the comments, saying he did not steal any charity money and he was not sure what the media were talking about.
WiRepa was approached through his lawyer for comment on this story.
Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.