A former school administrator who admitted stealing from a primary school in Hastings over seven years, has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison.

Tania McCartney earlier pleaded guilty to theft by a person in a special relationship, and using a credit card and cheques to obtain pecuniary advantage.

The offending occurred at Parkvale School, between November 2009 and February this year.

The 40-year-old stole $150,000 to spend on personal items, such as contact lenses, groceries and petrol.

Money was also transferred into her husband's bank accounts to cover his business expenses.

Judge Bridget Mackintosh told the court McCartney had no explanation for taking the money other than to make-up for over-spending during her emotionally difficult relationship with her husband.

McCartney also altered the school's accounting software to hide the missing money.

Parkvale School principal Mark Gifkins said they feel really sad about the whole case.

"Not a comfortable feeling at all. There's no winners, just losers in the whole situation. Basically for me it's just allowed closure but it's a very sad thing for her, her family and for everyone involved.

"Tania was a very very close friend of us all and yeah, it hurts."

Mr Gifkins said a civil case is underway between the Ministry of Education and McCartney to try to get all the money back.