Woman pulls out knife on flatmate

A Masterton woman who "thrust" a carving knife at her flatmate has been sentenced to 100 hours' community work.

Karma Puti Puti Henare, 26, appeared in Masterton District Court on Thursday facing a charge of possessing an offensive weapon.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Jodie Lawrence said there was a disagreement between Henare and her flatmate at their Cameron Crescent home about 8pm last Sunday.

Henare "thrust the carving knife towards the victim", she said.

He backed away and the knife went into a door.

"The defendant said she did not know him very well and was wary of him."

Ms Lawrence said Henare had admitted what happened and complied with police.

Lawyer Ian Hard said the young woman was a boarder at the house and her things had been "rifled through.

"She got very uncomfortable, what she chose to do is confront this man about it.

"Unfortunately, she took a knife in case he attacked her in this confrontation ... she felt quite fearful."

Mr Hard said she had pleaded guilty to the charge at the earliest opportunity.

Judge Mary O'Dwyer said it was a serious incident and Henare had accepted responsibility.

"Your flatmate was at risk from your behaviour, it was a very dangerous thing to present that knife."

She said she was satisfied Henare's mental health was being treated and was intending to see a nurse regularly.

She convicted her and sentenced her to do 100 hours of community work.

She also ordered destruction of the knife.