A depositions hearing for the former head of the Immigration Service on fraud charges began in Wellington District Court on Monday.
Mary Anne Thompson faces three charges relating to the use of her curriculum vitae for obtaining a pecuniary advantage.
Crown solicitor Grant Burston told the court Ms Thompson falsely claimed in her curriculum vitae that she had a PhD from the London School of Economics.
He said this led to her obtaining high-level public service jobs in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Labour Department.
But, he said, she never attended an oral examination needed to complete the doctorate.
Defence lawyer Robert Lithgow, QC, says there is no evidence that Ms Thompson was asked to attend the oral examination.
The hearing has been adjourned until Tuesday when the court will hear evidence via video link from staff at the London School of Economics.
