The man has appeared in Whangārei District Court.
Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf

A fruity snack has landed a Northland man behind bars on burglary and firearms charges.

Senior Sergeant Christian Stainton said a man walked into a house in Te Kamo, Whangārei about 5pm on Sunday, took a single orange, and left.

The occupants called police, who found the a man sitting in his car with a shotgun, a large bundle of cash, and a gang patch.

Stainton described the search of his vehicle as fruitful.

He said the 35-year-old appeared in the Whangārei District Court on Monday on a number of charges including burglary and unlawful possession of a firearm.

He was remanded in custody and was due back in court at the end of the month.

Stainton said it was a great example of how the community could help police by reporting suspicious or illegal behaviour as it was happening.