Police want the public's help after a botched attempted robbery on Monday morning at National Bank in Kerikeri.

A man described as a "light-skinned Maori" between the ages of 30 and 40, 1.73 metres tall and of medium build is being sought after he entered the bank and approached one of the tellers asking for money.

Police say the suspect entered the bank on Kerikeri Rd just after 11am and asked for a "grand".

The teller, who initially thought the man was trying to make a withdrawal, asked him for his details.

He repeated his demand and showed the teller he was carrying a small metal bar.

When he was again not presented with the money, the man turned around and walked out of the bank, crossing Kerikeri Rd and on to the Domain.

The suspect was wearing long dark pants with reflective strips on the ankles and across the rear.

He had a black jacket with white stripes on the arm and a white pattern across the chest. He was wearing a red and blue tartan hat and had a tattoo on the left side of his neck.

National Bank was closed on Monday with a sign on the door that read: "Due to unforeseen circumstances National Bank will be closed until 3pm."

Anyone with information is asked to contact detective Patrick Derbyshire in Kerikeri at 094079211.

The incident comes a month after police reported a spate of daylight burglaries in Kerikeri, affecting properties in Inlet Rd, Peacock Gardens, Ironbark Rd, Doves Bay, Ranui Rd and Kapiro Rd.

Kerikeri businesses in Fairway Dr have suffered damage worth thousands of dollars this year. United Video and the community gym have had about $6000 worth of damage.

Commercial property owner Mark Evans this week urged the business community to go ahead with the long-discussed installation of more security cameras throughout the central business district.

Keri Crest Properties, managed by Mr Evans, has spent $10,000 on security cameras around Meridian Building and the McDonald's car park this year.

The cameras, designed to identify faces and car number plates, have been operating for the past three months and are already reaping rewards for the community, he says.

"There needs to be action, not words.

"I'd say to others in the business community get your cameras up. They work," Mr Evans says.

- Bay Chronicle