Charged With Burglary In NZ

This is a bit of a long shot bcos I'm way the hell down in New Zealand (tiny little country near the bottom of the world).
I've been charged with 8 counts of burglary. For 7 of the 8 counts we didn't break and enter, however we were trespassing at the very least. In the 8th count a small padlock was cut by one of my co-accused. We never entered anyones house, only dairy farm properties, to steal items like petrol, chainsaws, power tools, and other small items.
The police executed a search warrant on my house and took items that we'd stolen, but also took several items which I legitimately own.

I know I sound like an a**hole, but stealing isn't the kind of thing I would normally do. I had 3 jobs at the beginning of the year. 1 I lost because the contract ended, and another I lost because I was required to have a reliable vehicle to carry out the job, but was no longer able to do so. So I've had a massive pay drop and was having difficulty making ends meet. Someone I've met in recent times is a career criminal, and I made a massive mistake by going completely against my morals when tempted by the prospect of an easy fix to my financial problems

Our legal system isn't too dissimilar to yours. We get read our rights, questioned, processed, n chucked in a cell for however many hours until they can bring you before a judge. I chose to speak to a lawyer but my (life) partner didn't and unfortunately they tricked her into confessing to a lot more than we'd initially been caught with. Bail doesn't cost anything here. We were released on the conditions we stay away from the areas we were caught. Be at the address we were bailed to between the hours of 7pm and 7am. Not associate with our co-accused. And present ourselves in court on the specified date.

My questions are:
Will the items that I legitimately own be returned to me?
Naturally I want to get off as lightly as possible. I've never been in trouble with the law before now, and this experience has been well n truly enough of a fright to make me never EVER want to do it again! What can I do to help myself?? Beyond my Miranda rights I'm clueless!

[tswift]

Will the items that I legitimately own be returned to me?

Yes they will once you prove the did not belong to the victims in this matter, and they acknowledge this.

What can I do to help myself?? Beyond my Miranda rights I'm clueless!

I'm glad and happy to see you are sorry for what you've done. We all make mistakes, and most people understand this. You obviously can try to fight the charges, which I strongly suggest you have an attorney examine your case at the least. Most severe cases like yours can have the charges reduce to a smaller charge that carries less/smaller penalties if you admit/accept to the reduced charges. Attoneys and Prosecutors HATE TO GO TO COURT. This is an easy out for both you and them.

I suggest plea bargain, and admit to a lesser charge. I'd maybe accept trespassing and criminal damaging? Have any theft charge dimissed if at all possible. But do not plea gulity to the original charges!