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in Auckland was willing to represent the women pro bono, or for free.

The women were charged with breaching Auckland’s level 3 boundary by travelling to Blenheim on October 9 without correct documentation.

They were arrested on October 13, and first appeared in the Blenheim District Court on October 14 when they were granted bail up to Auckland.

Neither entered a plea on Tuesday, and were remanded on bail to appear in the Auckland District Court on November 9. Their bail conditions mean they must reside at their addresses in Auckland.

Meanwhile, police prosecutor Mark Harris said Auckland businesswoman Maria Johnson, 53, had successfully completed diversion.

Diversion was usually offered when the offence was not considered serious, and the defendant had accepted full responsibility for the incident.

Johnson founded the Little School chain of private pre-schools in Auckland and Wellington.

Stuff understands Johnson had the required documentation to cross an alert level boundary for work reasons, but the permit only allowed her to travel to Wellington.

However, she arranged for a property in Onahau Bay, Queen Charlotte Sound, to be valued.

She allegedly flew across Cook Strait, in breach of the conditions of her exemption documents, to be at the property for the valuation.

The valuer later spoke to Picton police, who took action and spoke to Johnson in Picton on September 29.

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2021-10-27T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-10-27T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://stuff.pressreader.com/article/281522229297239

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