Wallace Tamamotu Te Ahuru (30) of Kerikeri has pleaded guilty to two charges of ‘Obtaining by deception’ and seven charges of ‘Using forged documents’ at the Manukau District Court, the Serious Fraud Office says.

The SFO says Mr Te Ahuru misappropriated about $1.2 million from the Waitangi National Trust Group while he was employed as its corporate services manager. In this role he was responsible for the financial administration of the trust. Mr Te Ahuru is believed to have acted alone in the offending.

The defendant used the money he stole for a variety of purposes, including travel and accommodation, luxury clothing, cosmetic surgery and the purchase of a vehicle.

He has been remanded in custody to reappear at the Manukau District Court for sentencing on 30 November.