A prominent business executive has admitted to receiving commercial sex services from an underage girl.

He pleaded guilty in the Auckland District Court today to one charge of receiving commercial sex services from a person who was then aged 14.

The Auckland businessman’s name is suppressed until his next hearing in March 2026.

Court documents seen by the Herald state the offending occurred in September this year.

It carries a maximum of seven years’ imprisonment.

Through his lawyer, Graeme Newell, the man declined to comment.

A spokesperson for the man’s employer said:

“We were made aware of this incident this afternoon and we will be taking the appropriate action.”

The man was also facing charges for grooming for sexual conduct and indecent communication, but Newell confirmed those charges had been withdrawn.

Auckland District Court confirmed he had been remanded on bail until his sentencing next year.

Where to get help:
If it's an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:
• Call 0800 044 334
• Text 4334
• Email [email protected]
• For more info or to web chat visit safetotalk.nz
Alternatively contact your local police station - click here for a list.
• Contact HELP Auckland on 0800 623 1700
If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.

Katie Harris is an Auckland-based journalist who covers issues such as sexual assault, workplace misconduct, media, crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2020.