Belinda FeekOpen Justice multimedia journalist, Waikato·NZ Herald·10 Aug, 2026 06:00 AM4 mins to read‌Former Waipā District Council candidate Hope Amy Spooner, 34, leaves the Hamilton District Court today after being sentenced on benefit fraud charges totalling $107,000. Photo / Belinda FeekA local body election candidate who defrauded the Ministry of Social Development of more than $100,000 has blamed her ex-husband for her actions, claiming his alleged meth addiction put financial pressure on the family.

Hope Amy Spooner was a candidate in the Waipā District Council elections but missed out by