New Zealand Couple Jailed for Running Nearly NZ$4 Million Ponzi Scheme

New Zealand couple Alex Tuira and Aroha Tuira have been jailed in New Zealand for operating a Ponzi scheme.

The Tuira couple operated a Ponzi scheme through two companies, Ngākau Aroha Investments Ltd and Power To Me Aotearoa Tapui Ltd, from May 2014 to May 2021.

The couple defrauded at least 55 victims, including individuals with no investment experience, out of NZ$3.9 million through 104 transactions.

They used funds from new investors to pay returns to earlier investors, embezzled money for personal and business expenses, and even spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on overseas travel.

_{Aroha Tuira (left) and Alex Tuira (right) at sentencing in the High Court at Christchurch. Photo: Iain McGregor / Pool}

They provided investors with so-called "agreements" and push them to sign. The couple not only falsely reported their asset values but also spun more lies when victims raised questions.

The Tuira came under investigation in November 2021. By August 2025, both had pleaded guilty to all charges.

Several victims recounted their experiences of deception at the Christchurch High Court. One victim had known the couple for over a decade.

One family stated they were left homeless due to the couple's fraud. Their two children, aged 9 and 11, wanted to give all their pocket money to their parents after learning they had been deceived. Another victimized family admitted they felt shame after the truth came to light.

Alex Tuira was sentenced to six years and four months in prison, while Aroha Tuira received a sentence of five years and two months.

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