Pub raided over links to major pokies organisation

A Christchurch pub linked to a major pokie organisation has been searched by Department of Internal Affairs investigators.

It has also been reported that the home of the organisation’s chief executive was raided the same day.

Investigators carried out a search warrant at Cranford Ale House on Cranford St, Papanui on Friday.

The searches are understood to centre on gaming machine operations connected to Air Rescue Services Limited, which operates 501 gaming machines across 30 member venues.

Stuff reported that the residential property searched belongs to Air Rescue Services managing director Barry Steans.

“We can confirm that we have active investigations underway in relation to both Gambling Act compliance issues and other matters, but we are not in a position to provide any further details at this stage,” said a DIA spokesperson.

The Herald has reached out to Air Rescue Service Limited and Steans, as wel as police.

The organisation was incorporated in February 2002 for the purpose of operating gaming machines to raise funds for distribution to charitable and community organisations throughout the Canterbury, West Coast, Marlborough, Wellington, Manawatu-Wanganui, and Auckland regions of New Zealand.

As at February 2026, the service reported it had 30 member venues operating a total of 501 gaming machines.

Each venue operates up to a maximum of 18 gaming machines, the net proceeds of which are distributed to charitable and community organisations in the Canterbury, West Coast, Marlborough, Wellington, Manawatu-Wanganui, and Auckland regions.

Net proceeds from gaming machines at member venues are returned to Air Rescue Services as grants.