An Anglican priest has admitted defrauding the Auckland University of Technology of more than $500,000.
Jonathan Kirkpatrick, 53, was the chief executive of AUT's business innovation centre, but resigned after the money was found to be missing.
The former Dean of St Paul's Cathedral in Dunedin pleaded guilty to five fraud charges and two of falsifying documents.
His lawyer says his client hasn't gained any wealth as the money was fritted away.
Kirpatrick has worked at AUT since 2002, and over that time, stole more than $665,000. He resigned earlier this year after "accounting discrepancies" were found after an internal investigation.
Kirkpatrick is on bail and will be sentenced on October 6.
3 News / RadioLIVE