"By communicating any concerns with police, we are able to resolve more crimes.
"Particularly in rural areas, communities' assistance is vital to keeping police informed on crime and helping us find offenders."
Further enquires led Tauranga police to a residence on Old Highway, where they located a substantial amount of stolen property, which is believed to be linked to recent burglaries in the area.
More firearms and a suspected methamphetamine lab were also discovered.
As a result, a 42-year-old man appeared in the Tauranga District Court on this afternoon.
He was charged with possession for supply of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm.
"In Whakamarama, we have had a recent burglary problem and we hope that these arrests provide some reassurance to the victims and their neighbours," said Mr Turner.
"We'll do our best to reunite the property with its rightful owners and we'd like to thank the public for their assistance, which resulted in these arrests and the recovery of this property."