Two arrested after $100,000 of kiwifruit pollen stolen from Kerikeri property

Police have made two arrests and seized a number of items after kiwifruit pollen was stolen in Kerikeri. Photo / RNZ

Police have arrested two people after more than $100,000 of kiwifruit pollen was stolen from a commercial property in Kerikeri.

The robbery at the property on State Highway 10 was reported to Northland police on April 7.

Police investigations are ongoing but Detective Bernie Patrick, Northland CIB, said an unrelated report helped police make some arrests.

“On April 21, officers attended a family harm incident in Waitangi.

“A stolen fuel card and other stolen property were found in a vehicle, whose owner was subsequently arrested,” he said.

Police searched three other properties in Kerikeri and found a “significant quantity” of the pollen, a vintage vehicle and a loaded gun.

A stolen trailer, solar batteries, timber, foreign currency and power tools were also recovered by police.

A 35-year-old man was due to appear in Kaikohe District Court on Friday charged with receiving stolen property, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

A 42-year-old man has been charged with receiving stolen property and is due to appear in Kaikohe District Court on May 8.

Police have not ruled out further charges.

- RNZ