A former Defence Force employee has pleaded guilty to stealing $225,000.
Palmerston North courthouse. Photo: RNZ/Ana Tovey
The Serious Fraud Office had accused Paniparewhakaro Elizabeth Rangiuia of embezzling $225,000 over several years from accounts holding funds raised by Defence Force social clubs.
The SFO claimed she gambled much of the money.
At the Palmerston North District Court this morning, Rangiuia pleaded guilty to charges of theft in a special relationship and false accounting.
She will be sentenced on 24 June.
Rangiuia was employed by the Defence Force from 1987 until she was dismissed in September 2018.
She worked as a financial administrator of non-public funds at Waiouru Military Training Facility from 2009.
SFO director Julie Read said Rangiuia abused her power.
"Ms Rangiuia was solely responsible for administering these charitable funds at Waiouru.
"The defendant abused her position of trust to steal a significant amount of funds raised by army personnel," she said.
NZDF said it was not in a position to comment as the matter is before the court.