One of the men involved in the ram-raid of Found My Way in Invercargill smashed a large jewellery display case before taking almost $9000 in jewellery.
The police summary of facts said Tuhakaraina and two other accused co-offenders drove to True Grit about 4.36am on August 15.
Tuhakaraina kept watch while it is alleged two others attempted to enter the building by smashing the window with a hammer. They failed to gain entry and fled when a car drove by.
On the same night, Tuhakaraina was a passenger in a Mazda Demio which was driven to Windsor in Invercargill. Tuhakaraina and another man got out of the vehicle before it is alleged the driver smashed the front window by reversing into it twice.
"Tuhakaraina ... used a hammer to break open a glass display case [and] remove a large quantity of jewellery valued at about $8970.80," the summary said.
Judge Walker remanded Tuhakaraina on bail to appear for sentence on November 22.
