"This is their store. It's important to us that they see it as their store," Plummer said.
The shop has had an outpouring of support on social media following the incident.
"I'm so sorry this has happened, you are really appreciated in our community," one commented.
Another said: "So sorry to hear this! You guys are amazing and deserve so much better. Thinking of you all."
A police spokesman said police were called to the Ngongotahā Four Square about 6.24am.
"Police were called to a robbery at a commercial premises in Ngongotahā. The offenders have used a vehicle to gain access to the shop," the spokesman said.