Support after tavern robbed

A police officer interviews Homestead Tavern publican Ross Lynch after Tuesday night's armed robbery.

Staff at a Kerikeri pub robbed at gunpoint have been inundated with messages of support since Tuesday night's ordeal.

Two men disguised with ski masks burst in through the back doors of Kerikeri's Homestead Tavern at closing time, pointed a rifle at staff, and ordered them to empty the pokie machines and the safe.

They used tape to tie up the workers, one male and one female, then pressed the rifle to the back of the woman's head and pulled the trigger. Only then did she realise the gun was not loaded.

Publican Ross Lynch said he met her yesterday afternoon and she seemed to be coping well.

Both workers had been offered help if they wanted it and as much time off as they needed.

"It was awful for them," he said.

Since the robbery, staff had received many emails, phone calls and messages offering support or expressing shock and sympathy.

"The support's been great. People have been stopping me in the street, and I've had people telling me who they think it is. That's good, it means people are keeping their eyes open."

Police completed their examination of the Homestead and surrounding area about 5pm on Wednesday and the pub opened again on Thursday morning.

Shortly after re-opening, staff posted a message on the tavern's Facebook page: "Thank u everyone for the phone calls, txts and e-mails of support. We are all safe and that is the main thing. We are sure they will catch them. Kerikeri should be free of people like this."

Mr Lynch said police were determined to get the offenders.

"They really want to catch them. And they will."

It is understood about $5000 was taken. A police dog tracked the offenders as far as Butler Rd before losing the scent.

Police are continuing to study footage from the town's CCTV system. They are also waiting for the results of forensic tests.

* Call the Kerikeri police station on (09) 407 9211 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 with any information about the robbery.