Stratford couple charged with benefit fraud

A Stratford couple's decision to live together could prove to be costly, as they have been charged with benefit fraud after a Ministry of Social Development (MSD) investigation.
Appearing in the Hawera District Court on Tuesday, September 22, 25-year-old Rongomai-Whiti Jon Wayne Wahia entered a guilty plea to a total of ten charges. Three of obtains by deception and seven of dishonestly using a document.
His partner, Shannon Trishna Lorraine Wetini (32) is also facing ten charges, to which she has yet to enter a plea. She was remanded on bail to reappear in the Hawera District Court on October 6
According to the summary of facts prepared by MSD investigator Max Brooking, Wahia has three children with Wetini. Wahia received a domestic purposes benefit between October 2007 and July 2013 and a solo parent support benefit from July 2013 to December 2014.
The application process for these benefits requires applicants to advise MSD of any change in their circumstances or if they are living with a partner.
Wahia also received an accomodation supplement during this time frame as well as other financial support at times.
The MSD investigation found that Wahia and Wetini had been living together between April 2010 and January 2014, although there were some periods of time when they lived apart.
MSD says a total of $49,656.90 was overpaid to Wahia as a result of the alleged benefit fraud. The ministry is however, only seeking $23,391.41 in reparation at sentencing. According to the summary of facts, this amount is actual "loss" to the ratepayer.
Judge John Macdonald remanded Wahia on bail, and ordered him to reappear for sentencing on November 9.