Auckland, Sept 10 NZPA - Waiouru Army Museum director Colonel Raymond Seymour says he's delighted one man accused of stealing nearly 100 gallantry medals in 2007 has pleaded guilty.

The 38-year-old, who has name suppression, pleaded guilty to a charge of burglary when he appeared in Auckland District Court this morning.

The charges relate to the theft of 96 medals, including nine Victoria Crosses, two George Crosses and an Albert medal, from the museum on December 2, 2007.

Another man, 39, is still charged over the break-in. Numerous suppressions remain in relation to the case.

Col Seymour said the guilty plea was "bloody marvellous news".

"It has been a long two years and this will be partial closure to that terrible event that happened in December 2007," he told NZPA.

He praised the police investigation, saying they had clearly done a good job.

Col Seymour said the medals had been back on display since October last year and their theft had the perverse effect of increasing their popularity with the public.

"Every cloud has a silver lining," he said.

"They are being proudly displayed and continue to be a real drawcard."

He said security had been improved following a review in the wake of the break-in.

Inquiry head Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Bensemann said it was extremely satisfying to get a guilty plea.

The man who pleaded guilty today has been remanded in custody and will reappear in court in Auckland next month.

The second accused man is due to appear at a depositions hearing in Wanganui, also in October.