Latest news with #KensingtonTavern
RNZ News
28-07-2025
- RNZ News
Man arrested after armed robbery at Kensington Tavern in Whangārei
A man with a gun entered Kensington Tavern about 10 o'clock on 25 July fired a shot into the ceiling before demanding money. Photo: Supplied Police have arrested a man they say was behind a brazen robbery of a Whangārei bar in which one person was injured and a shot was fired into the pub's ceiling. Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris, of the Whangārei CIB, said the man entered Kensington Tavern about 10 o'clock on Friday and discharged a firearm before demanding money. She said officers put in long hours throughout the weekend to track down the offender, which culminated in a police operation outside an Okara Drive business on Monday afternoon. A 35-year-old man was arrested and would face serious charges when he appeared in the Whangārei District Court on Tuesday. Those charges included aggravated robbery with a firearm, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, unlawful possession of a firearm, and discharging a firearm to intimidate. The gun was also recovered on Monday afternoon, Harris said. Police would oppose bail when the man appeared in court. Harris said she was proud of her team's work. "There's no place for callous violence in which puts law-abiding members of the public in harm's way. You will be held to account." Harris acknowledged Whangārei residents who contacted police with information throughout the weekend. Earlier, Kensington Tavern owner Craig Woods told RNZ a man wielding a gun burst into the premises via the smoker's area, went behind the bar, and demanded staff give him money from the till. He said two staff members and three customers were still in the pub at the time. "The staff did the correct thing by giving them the till, and it all happened pretty quickly. But one of the patrons intervened. The offender sort of broke free, and so the patron backed off." Woods said the patron fell after his tussle with the robber and hit his head, which required stitches. St John Ambulance said one person was taken to hospital with moderate injuries. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
1News
26-07-2025
- 1News
Shots fired during robbery at Whangārei bar, offenders at large
Shots were fired during an armed robbery at a bar in Whangārei last night, with the offenders still on the run. Police were called to the bar on Kensington Ave at around 10pm after a man entered with a firearm and demanded money. "The man is reported to have fired a shot towards the roof of the bar and assaulted one of the patrons," Detective Sergeant Ryan Cooper said. "The man then took cash from the bar's tills and left in a car, which had been waiting in the car park." St John said it responded with one ambulance and one manager. ADVERTISEMENT "Our crews assessed and treated one patient who was transported to Northland Base Hospital in a moderate condition." Police said the injured person had since been discharged. Cooper said a car used by the man, believed to be a white Toyota Aqua or similar model, was being driven by a second person. "The car had stolen licence plates attached, registration KHA69." Police were urgently working to identify and locate the two offenders, he said. "If anyone has information which could assist our enquiries, please contact 105 online or on the phone, quoting file number 250726/2971." In a message posted to Facebook, Kensington Tavern staff said the bar would be closed today due to the armed robbery. "Two shots were fired as a scare tactic, all involved are physically okay. Our focus is now on our staff's well-being. Thank you all for your messages of support."
RNZ News
26-07-2025
- RNZ News
One injured, shot fired in armed robbery at Whangārei bar
Photo: 123RF The owner of a Whangārei pub says a customer is injured and staff are traumatised after an armed robbery last night. Craig Woods who owns the Kensington Tavern said a man with a gun burst into the premises about 9.30pm, went behind the bar and ordered staff to give him the till's cash drawer. He said two staff and three customers were still at the pub as it was closing. "The staff did the correct thing by giving them the till, and it all happened pretty quickly. But one of the patrons intervened. The offender sort of broke free, and so the patron backed off." St John said it took one person to hospital with moderate injuries. Detective Sergeant Ryan Cooper who is the head of the Tactical Crime Unit said officers were called to the bar at 10pm, after a man entered the bar holding a firearm and demanded money. He then fired a shot towards the roof of the bar and assaulted one of the patrons, before taking cash from one of the bar's tills. He then fled the scene in a white Toyota Aqua or a similar model, driven by a second person. The car had stolen licence plates attached, registration KHA69. The injured person was transported to hospital, but has been discharged. Police said they are urgently working to locate the two offenders, and anyone with information is urged to contact 105 online or via phone, quoting file number 250726/2971. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
