Inspector Bruce O'Brien said officers began to search for the stolen car in the area where it was last seen, with help from the public.
"Police were directed across grass through a reserve, and the search entered an industrial area of Wiri.
"Members of the public continued to direct police towards the offender, leading to a metal fabrication factory.
"The offender had attempted to disguise his appearance by stripping off layers of clothing and was pretending to work in the factory.
"Unfortunately for him, other employees were suspicious of his appearance and he was quickly apprehended by police."
A 36-year-old man was arrested on multiple charges and would appear in Manukau District Court.
Mr O'Brien thanked the public for their "extremely valuable" help.
Police would like to hear from anyone who saw a car driving towards a police officer where the road spikes had been laid, on Roscommon Rd and Wordsworth Rd.
Later today, police pursued another stolen car through West Auckland.
A police patrol saw a Subaru Legacy that had been stolen from Mt Albert driving suspiciously in Don Buck Road, Massey, shortly before midday.
Police gave chase after the car failed to stop for police lights and sirens. However, police abandoned the pursuit because it was unsafe to continue.
The car was seen several minutes later and another pursuit was launched, but that too was abandoned due to the wet weather and the manner of driving.
Police then laid road spikes at Triangle Rd while the police Eagle helicopter observed the car from the air. Ground units also searched the area, including the nearby Westfield WestCity shopping mall.
Not long after, the driver drove into WestCity and tried to flee on foot, but was caught and arrested by two police officers.
A 22-year-old old Glen Eden man has been charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, failing to stop for police, driving while disqualified and reckless driving.
He will appear in Waitakere District Court next Tuesday.
