Golf club staff robbed at knifepoint

Staff members at the Waitakere Golf Club were tied up and robbed of cash at knifepoint last night.

The attack at the club in Falls Rd occurred about 6.45pm.

The robber threatened the two workers with a knife before tying them up, said police spokesman Inspector Terrence Van Dillon.

"He has then proceeded to steal cash before leaving the premises."

It was not known if the money belonged to the staff members or to the club.

Police believe the man left in a vehicle and want anyone in the area who saw anything suspicious to contact the Henderson police station.

The robbery was the second in three days at Auckland sports clubs.

On Friday, four elderly female card players were robbed at Devonport Bowling Club by a nailgun-toting man who forced them into the toilets.

Police are full of praise for the women's courage.

Police media adviser Kevin Loughlin said three of the women were preparing for a game of cards about 1.40pm when the man entered the clubrooms wearing a balaclava.

"[They] thought the offender was making a delivery but quickly realised the man's intentions were more sinister when his manner became more threatening," Mr Loughlin said.

"One of the group calmly invited the offender to sit down and join them in a game of cards."

The man reacted with abusive language and fired the nailgun.

Mr Loughlin said the man then forced the trio into the toilets - manhandling one of them.

A fourth woman arrived and was also made to go into the toilets.

"But what I think is really fantastic is that they kept their cool. They were very courageous. They have the rare ability to retain their cool in the face of a violent offender," Mr Loughlin said.

The women were aged 88, 78, 76, and 72 and are now receiving help from Victim Support.

Police would like to hear from any witnesses in Devonport and ask that residents check their properties for any items the robber might have discarded from the women's handbags.

The man is described as a Maori or Pacific Islander in his early to mid 20s, of slim build and about 180cm tall.

Meanwhile, police are also praising the actions of a 75-year-old woman who helped a 32-year-old woman accosted in the Glenfield shopping mall last week.

A young man grabbed the younger woman's handbag while she was standing on the escalators in the shopping mall on Wednesday.

The older woman saw the two struggling and went to the victim's aid, albeit unsuccessfully.

Mr Loughlin said police would like any witnesses to come forward. Detectives are looking for a Maori or Pacific Island man in his 20s, of stocky, powerful build with shoulder-length dark hair.

- NZPA