Two men accused of Red Fox Tavern murder keep identities secret

Chris Bush was shot dead 30 years ago at the Red Fox Tavern just before midnight. Photo / Supplied

Two men accused of murdering Red Fox Tavern publican Chris Bush almost 30 years ago have appeared in court today.

A 58-year-old and 57-year-old appeared in the High Court at Auckland before Justice Graham Lang.

The men, who have entered not guilty pleas, were granted interim name suppression after being charged late last month with the murder and aggravated robbery of the Maramarua publican on October 24, 1987.

Lang continued the men's name suppression but set a hearing for the suppression order to be argued between the pair's lawyers and media on October 17.

The judge remanded the 58-year-old in custody until his next appearance on November 22, while the 57-year-old was remanded in custody until the suppression hearing.

The Red Fox Tavern near Maramarua where publican Chris Bush died in 1987. Photo / Jason Oxenham.

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

Bush was shot dead 30 years ago at the tavern just before midnight. The crime has been one of New Zealand's longest cold cases.

Bush was drinking with three other staff members after closing up the pub when two men burst in.

The heavily disguised men, one carrying a double-barrelled shotgun and the other a baseball bat, stormed into the bar yelling, "this is a hold-up".

As Bush stood up, he was shot and killed. One of the men then ordered a female staff member to search Bush's pockets for the key to the safe.

The robbers fled with $25,000.

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

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