A distraught Auckland family woke on Saturday morning to find their presents missing from under their Christmas tree, as well as numerous items of electronic equipment, including a mobile phone.
The family reported the theft to Auckland Police at 6am and within hours, their gifts had been found, thanks to an alert from Google and fast-working police officers.
An alert notified the complainants a new account had been set up in a different name.
They reported the name to police, who checked the person's address and found the accused.
Soon after, all property and presents were rewrapped and returned to the family.
Auckland Central Area Commander Inspector Jill Rogers said police had taken as much pleasure in returning the family's presents and electronic equipment as the family had displayed when they were reunited with their belongings.
Terekia was remanded in custody without plea until next month when he will enter a plea to the charge.
The maximum penalty for burglary is 10 years imprisonment.
