Fake prince in new wholesome NZ life, reaches out to flood victims

Fake prince Joel Morehu-Barlow, who stole $16 million from Queensland taxpayers, has given a shout-out to flood victims, wishing them “love and hope”.

Fake prince Joel Morehu-Barlow, who was jailed for stealing $16 million from Queensland taxpayers to fund a lavish river-city lifestyle, has given a shout-out to flood victims, wishing them “love and hope”.

Morehu-Barlow was deported to New Zealand two years ago after serving eight years in prison for siphoning millions of dollars from Queensland Health.

But the man who once lived in a luxury New Farm apartment, was on the VIP list for Louis Vuitton and watched television on a $100,000 Bang and Olufsen screen, now spends his days hiking, volunteering and cooking with family.

“I remember living through the 2011 floods, coming together to sandbag homes and stores in Teneriffe and New Farm, losing power but maintaining our concerns for others, sending Queenslanders love and hope – stay safe,” he wrote.

Joel Morehu-Barlow being deported to New Zealand

“We had to sandbag most of Teneriffe. When we lost power, everyone packed their alcohol and we walked to Saratoga Building and about 100 people sharing their drinks watching boats and part of the river walk go racing down the river. I saw the houseboat get sucked under – f…, that man was lucky.”

Morehu-Barlow’s social media accounts paint a picture of a simple, wholesome life in the small North Island town of Thames where he spends much of his time with family.

In one Facebook video, Morehu-Barlow drinks a cup of tea on the deck of a cottage while listening to Willie Nelson, remarking on the sun setting over fields.

In another, he can be seen swinging in a hammock while children play near a river.

“Someone’s got to do it hard, hey kids. Might as well be us,” he says.

Other videos show the former fraudster building a structure at a school, constructing a fence and doing landscaping work.

Many others show him hiking to lush mountain peaks and singing along to music in front of breathtaking views, while still more show him dining out at fast food restaurants or cooking with produce grown by family members.

Joel Morehu-Barlow living a new simple lifestyle in New Zealand.

In one post, he commented on the values of New Zealand political parties and the values they place on “everyday people”.

“They don’t care about everyday people, they are capitalist. They care about increased profit. Good on them for their success, but who would they serve if in power?” he wrote.

Many of his posts are about the importance of Maori traditions and values and preserving ancestral lands.

Morehu-Barlow was arrested in 2011 after police discovered he’d taken millions of dollars while employed by Queensland Health.

The money was for charities and community groups, but Morehu-Barlow filtered it into his own account.

Joel Morehu-Barlow in New Zealand. Picture: Facebook

He used the cash to buy lavish gifts for friends, family and colleagues, a $6 million New Farm apartment and two Mercedes Benz.

He explained his wealth by claiming to be a member of the Tahitian royal family, sometimes signing documents as “HRH”.

Court records show he spent more than $1 million on travel and accommodation, $600,000 in Louis Vuitton, $200,000 on art, $200,000 at Libertine Parfumerie and $75,000 on flowers.

He would later tell his mother in letters he had wanted to get away from a poor, dysfunctional upbringing to “become someone … at any cost”.

Joel Morehu-Barlow in his luxury apartment

Morehu-Barlow was placed on a returning offenders order upon his return to New Zealand in February 2020.

NZ Corrections confirmed the order had been put in place but would not disclose the conditions. He had planned to move in with his mother in the modest public housing cottage she shared with her sister and young grandson.

Morehu-Barlow did not respond when contacted by The Courier-Mail.