Red Fox Tavern widow: 'These guys blew our life apart'

Publican Chris Bush was shot dead in the Red Fox Tavern in Maramarua on October 26, 1987. Photo/File

The widow of Chris Bush, the publican who was gunned down at the Red Fox Tavern 30 years ago, has expressed her "huge relief" that arrests have been made over his death.

Bush was having an after-work drink with staff members when two men entered the Maramarua pub and shot him at close range just before midnight October 24, 1987.

The men stole $25,000.

Today police announced they had arrested two men in connection with the murder - which his widow Gaye Bush, 72, said was "wonderful" news.

"I never gave up hope. For the first 20-odd years I kept waiting for that phone call, but then it slowed down," she said.

"[The police] really have done the most wonderful job - to be able to pull it off at this stage of things."

Bush had "very mixed feelings" today as her husband's murder hit the spotlight again today, but also expressed her gratitude.

"Especially for the police, we're so grateful for all of the hard work they put in. And all the public that helped out with the case, it was absolutely fantastic and has made this possible."

New information came to light after an appeal on TVNZ's crime-busting show Police Ten-7 aired information about the cold case earlier this year.

A 57-year-old man was arrested yesterday in Tauranga and charged with murder and aggravated robbery; he appeared in the Manukau District Court today. A 58-year-old man was charged today in Auckland with murder and aggravated robbery and will appear at Manukau next week.

In 2000, when it looked like police were close to catching the offenders, Mrs Bush expressed fears that someone would be convicted but would be given a light sentence.

"I very, very vividly remember that," she said. "I was petrified that they would be arrested and a judge would give them 6-8 years or something like that.

"These guys blew our life apart completely - a small amount of [jail] time would have been horrific."

But she said she is "very optimistic" and hoping for a strong sentence if the men are convicted.

Counties Manukau Detective Inspector Gary Lendrum said the breakthrough came after members of the community came forward with invaluable information following a renewed focus on the unsolved murder.

Lendrum said Bush's family had been through every family's worst nightmare and praised them for their courage, strength and bravery.

"We hope these arrests can offer them some degree of comfort and closure," he said.

The arrests had been a long time coming and police hoped it sent a clear message they would not give up on finding those responsible for crimes and holding them to account.

"We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the media, Police Ten 7 and members of the public for their assistance with this investigation," said Lendrum.

Police were unable to make any further comment while the matter was before the courts.