Wānaka woman charged with fake cancer scam also faces sexual assault charge

A Wānaka woman accused of being part of a million-dollar fraud through false cancer claims is now also facing a charge of sexual assault.

Sepiuta Vave, 38, and her husband Andrew Jones, 28, were charged with defrauding more than a dozen family, friends and associates, claiming the money was for treatment that was not needed.

The pair appeared by audio-visual link at the Christchurch District Court on Thursday, where it was revealed Vave was facing a new charge of unlawful sexual connection.

They have entered not guilty pleas and remain in custody.

A trial date has been set for September 2026.

Main image: Andrew Stewart Jones and Sepiuta Setaita Vave appeared via AVL in the Christchurch District Court on Thursday. Photo: Pool NZME / George Heard