Police also wanted to hear from anyone who saw one of the men get out of the car on nearby Recreation Rd and run off. Both offenders were disguised with hoodies or balaclavas.
Mr Fouhy said he was disturbed by the use of a firearm in the middle of town while many people were doing their shopping.
''The risk to the public is huge, any time a firearm is involved. This was at a busy time of day in a car park that's generally full.''
Police put up cordons at either end of Kaikohe and on Mangakahia Rd, with officers sent from as far away as Dargaville to help search for the offenders. Police also blocked off Rangimahana Rd just west of Kaikohe.
''We're swamping the area with all the resources we have,'' he said.
''We want people to treat these guys as dangerous. They should not be approached.''
Mr Fouhy urged people to call the Kaikohe station on (09) 405 2960, him directly on (09) 405 2966, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 with any information. People would be talking about the robbery and the offenders were likely to spend unusual sums of money, he said.
He expected the car would be found burnt out somewhere in the Kaikohe area.
The company which owns the van, Security North Ltd, operates a ''cash-in-transit'' service from Bream Bay to Kaitaia. Its website states that staff are trained in armed robbery and cash handling procedures. The company also replenishes and services ATMs.
Yesterday's armed robbery was just the latest in a spate around Northland in recent weeks. Most have occurred in Whangarei with the last one in Kaikohe at The Shed Liquor Centre, a stone's throw from New World, on September 7. In that case a stolen BB gun revolver was used and $400 was taken.
Eighteen-year-old Joyle Teaurere was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery in relation to The Shed robbery, thanks to CCTV footage, information from the public and a crime-fighting Facebook page. Police are still looking for his accomplice.
The maximum penalty for armed robbery is 14 years jail.