A Taupo credit union was robbed at gunpoint this afternoon.
Detective Sergeant Tony Manunui of Taupo police said a man entered the Heu Heu St Credit Union about 2.45pm. He presented a pistol to staff and demanded money. The staff handed over a substantial amount of cash.
The man then ran across the road to a waiting accomplice in a light green two door 1989 Nissan Exa sports car.
The car was last seen driving off at speed and turned left into Kaimanawa St.
The man was described as a male Maori, aged in his late 20s or early 30s, 180cm tall and of medium to solid build. He was wearing a black adidas hoodie jacket with white stripes.
Moments before the robbery he was seen acting suspiciously in front of the nearby Urban Retreat Backpackers.
Police wanted to hear from anybody who may have seen the robbery or had any information.
Mr Manunui said credit union staff were shaken but unhurt.
NZPA