A Christchurch couple have pleaded guilty to stealing tax-payer funds on their lavish lifestyle

61-year-old Cecilia Ellenbroek and 64-year-old Alfonsus Ellenbroek defrauded a government-funded disability trust of nearly half a million dollars.

The money was for community day care and vocational services for people with intellectual disabilities.

The couple spent the Alpha Support Centre Trust funds on personal expenses including extensive travel and accommodation, meals and entertainment, clothing, cigarettes, alcohol, jewellery and household appliances.

Serious Fraud Office Director Julie Read says the offending took place over a sustained period, was premeditated and the amount was significant.

They have been remanded on bail until sentencing in December.