"Police are not currently seeking anyone else in relation to the search and at this time there is not thought to be any ongoing risk to the public," Symonds said.
"This is however an ongoing investigation and a search of the property and scene examination is expected to continue into the weekend."
A nearby resident said they first noticed police after the man's dogs started barking. They said there was a flurry of police activity all day.
About noon another team of people arrived at the property in a white van and carried large bags into the house.
For most of the day officers swarmed the driveway area and were examining items taken from the downstairs garage area of the two-storey brick house.
There was another car, two motorbikes and a concrete mixer being looked over by officers in the driveway.
"It looked like they had done a good job of clearing out and searching the house," said a neighbour who believed the man lived alone.
Just last week Symonds said Northland officers would be involved in Operation Whakahaumanu, which means to restore to health and to revitalise. It was being rolled out across the country to ensure people felt safe in their communities after the Christchurch terror attacks.
At the time Symonds urged members of the public to report anyone they considered suspicious.
"One of the things we want to tell the public, and we are also telling our police officers, is those people who make you think twice or concerns about particular people let us know."
