A Tauranga kiwifruit pruner who stole more than $1400 of machinery and petrol from Maungatapu Primary School will be sentenced next month.

Joseph James Borell, 25, appeared in Tauranga District Court today where he pleaded guilty to one count of burglary.

A man has admitted to breaking into Maungatapu Primary School and taking a number of items from the caretaker's shed.

According to police between March 21 and 24, 2014 Borell broke into Maungatapu Primary School caretaker's shed by smashing the back window.

He stole a Stihl weedeater, leaf blower and two petrol cans, police prosecutor Roy Blomkamp told the court.

Roy says when police spoke to Borell he admitted the theft saying he was homeless at the time and had run out of petrol for his vehicle.

He told police the four items were passed on to friends.

His lawyer Whare Hika confirmed Borell did not wish to turn to family for help as he is currently estranged.

"He is ashamed to be in court today," says Whare.

Judge David Cameron told the court a home or community detention sentence is likely, and called for pre-sentence reports on both.

"He disposed of the items and hasn't taken any steps to retrieve the goods for police," says Judge Cameron.

The total cost is $1475 and reparation is sought.

Borell is remanded on bail for sentencing on September 17.