9 Feb 2021

Trial begins for men accused of Chris Bush murder

12:50 pm on 9 February 2021

The trial of two men accused of murdering a Waikato publican more than 30 years ago is underway in the High Court in Auckland.

Chris Bush

Chris Bush was shot dead at the Red Fox Tavern in Maramarua in 1987. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police

Chris Bush, 43, was drinking with staff when he was shot dead during a robbery at the Red Fox Tavern in Maramarua just before midnight on 24 October 1987.

Mark Joseph Hoggart and another man, who has interim name suppression, were arrested in 2017, after the police re-opened the cold case.

Both men, who are aged in their early 60s, are charged with murder and aggravated robbery.

It's alleged the pair stole more than $36,000 in cash and cheques.

The trial before Justice Woolford and a jury of seven men and five women is scheduled to take up to 12 weeks.

The Crown expects to call more than 60 witnesses.