Te Kuiti bank robbery: Two escape on motorbike, supermarket worker shot at

There was a robbery ANZ Te Kuiti today. Photo / MFM Te Reo o Te Iwi

An ANZ bank in Te Kūiti was the victim of an aggravated bank robbery and a nearby supermarket worker was shot at today.

Two offenders, armed with weapons and wearing all black, escaped the scene on a motorbike after demanding cash from the bank tellers.

Police confirmed they were called to the ANZ bank, on the town centre’s Rora St shortly after midday on Monday.

According to a spokesperson, the offenders demanded cash and there were no injuries were reported.

It’s unclear at this stage if any money was taken.

A local news radio station, MFM Te Reo o Te Iwi, reported that a gunshot had been heard near the bank during the robbery, and said it also understood a male was shot at.

Police were called to the the ANZ bank in the Te Kuiti town centre on Rora St shortly after midday. Photo / MFM Te Reo o Te Iwi

Witnesses told the Herald two men wearing all black and motorcycle helmets entered the bank branch and were asked by ANZ staff to remove their helmets, which is when the robbery started.

A witness said the offenders, one short and the other tall, fled the bank “with $50 notes flying everywhere”.

Another witness said both offenders were then confronted by a neighbouring SuperValue worker, who approached the men.

The witness said the offenders drew a knife before the employee was shot at.

The worker, described by the witness as an Asian man in his 40s, wasn’t injured.

Following the assailants fleeing the scene, armed police and detectives arrived, the witness said.

A dog unit also patrolled the area and guards were posted outside the bank.

“They’ve cordoned off the SuperValue car park where offenders came through the library,” the witness said.

Te Kūiti is 75km south of Hamilton. Residents said the township is closely knit and known as the shearing capital of the country.

“Everything that happens in this town is big news around here,” one witness said.

It’s understood local leaders were to host a community meeting this evening about crime in the district.