Wānaka Woman Faces New Charge Amid Ongoing Fraud Investigation

A 38-year-old woman from Wānaka, Sepiuta Setaita Vave, is now facing a new charge of unlawful sexual connection, adding to the growing list of legal troubles she and her partner, Andrew Stewart Jones, 28, have encountered. The pair were arrested on August 14 at a property in Wānaka, where they had recently moved from the West Coast. The charges include four counts of obtaining by deception between 2021 and February 2025, with allegations that they falsely claimed they needed money for cancer treatment — a claim that investigations have shown to be unfounded.

Vave and Jones are accused of defrauding friends, family, and associates of over $1 million, with their extravagant lifestyle allegedly funded by the stolen funds. This includes renting high-end properties and driving luxury European cars. Both entered not guilty pleas at the Christchurch District Court on September 25, 2025, and are expected to face trial in September 2026.

The Tasman Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) launched an investigation into the couple in early August. This follows previous charges in April 2024, when the pair was accused of defrauding two other victims out of $79,000. Police have taken steps to seize assets where possible to protect potential victims and are actively working to identify others who may have been targeted by the couple’s alleged fraudulent activities.

TOCU has urged anyone who may have given money to Vave and Jones under deceptive pretenses, or who has information about the case, to contact the unit in Greymouth. The case number is 241031/7310. Victims are strongly advised to contact their banks immediately if they provided any financial details to the couple.

This case has raised concerns about the vulnerability of individuals to fraudulent schemes, especially those involving emotional manipulation and false claims of medical necessity. Authorities are encouraging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

For more information on fraud or to report suspicious activity, the public is advised to visit the NZ Police website or call 105 (non-emergency).