According to police a New Zealand bank manager who conspired with a gang to rob the bank he worked in was arrested on Friday with the three gang members including his lover.

The three robbers invaded the bank, pointing guns at staff members but failed to take off with money worth more than ($40,000). Police intervened and arrested two gang members after they were tipped off by witnesses.

When police interrogated the robbers, they learned the third accomplice who made off with the cash was the bank manager's girlfriend. The couple were later arrested at the banker's Auckland residence.

A New Zealand police spokesman said police had suspected an insider's role in the robbery incident. The three gang members including the manager are now awaiting their day in court to answer charges for the robbery.