Grandmother sold cannabis

A Northland grandmother and her former partner have admitted selling cannabis from their home.

Josie Paniora, 63, pleaded guilty to two charges of possessing cannabis for supply and three of selling when she appeared in the Dargaville District Court last week.

Paniora and Peter Mako, 45, were busted during an undercover police operation in May and June this year.

Mako pleaded guilty to two charges of possession for supply and six of selling cannabis. Judge Greg Davis declined jurisdiction and transferred Mako's case to the High Court for sentencing because his likely sentence would exceed 12 months' imprisonment.

Paniora initially asked for a sentencing indication before entering her guilty plea.

Part way through the proceeding it was revealed Paniora, who is hard of hearing, was unable to hear the discussion, even when the judge and lawyers used the court microphones.

Judge Davis cleared the court room and he, the defence and prosecution lawyers sat beside Paniora to ensure she heard and understood the arguments.

The court heard that on May 4 this year, Paniora was stopped by police and officers found 11 tinnies in her possession.

In June, a special constable went to her home, where on two occasions she sold cannabis to an uncover officer.

Crown prosecutor Catherine Anderson said on one occasion, Paniora asked the officer "if he was an uncover cop ... saying they (she and Mako) had been busted the week before, but the shop was still open for business".

The Crown submitted that home detention was not appropriate. Defence lawyer Sumodo Thode said Paniora was unlikely to re-offend. "I suggest she only went along with her partner's wishes," Ms Thode said.

Judge Davis set Paniora a sentencing date of October 11 in the Dargaville District Court.