A former manager for Bunnings NZ has admitted receiving kickbacks for placing insurance through failed broker Herbert Insurance Group.

Bunnings was a client of Herbert when the hardware chain’s commercial property manager, Christopher David Green, corruptly took secret commissions for referring business, Auckland District Court was told on Friday.

Mr Green received about $NZ142,000 ($114,000) between 2003 and 2010 and Bunnings – a subsidiary of Wesfarmers – was overcharged $NZ220,000 ($178,800) for insurance as a consequence, according to the Serious Fraud Office.

Green’s job involved ensuring Bunnings’ premises across New Zealand were insured. He was charged under the country’s Secret Commissions Act. A sentencing date has yet to be set.

Herbert Insurance went into receivership in 2011. Its founder, Grant Herbert, is facing charges under the Crimes Act and the Secret Commissions Act.