The prominent Māori performing arts educator Donna Grant has appeared in court, charged with using a forged document and obtaining by deception.

The Serious Fraud Office says Grant used the documents to de-fraud the tertiary education provider Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi and the Tertiary Education Commission.

Grant, who is the daughter of the late Sir Howard Morrison, appeared at the Rotorua District Court this morning.

She has a background in education and Māori performing arts and held prominent positions with charities in the education sector.

Grant was a trustee of Te Arawa Kapa Charitable Trust and sat on the board of the New Zealand Warriors rugby league club.

She faces charges of dishonesty using documents, obtaining by deception, creating forged documents and using a forged document.

She is due back in court in July.