The Pinelands Motel in Kawerau, which was severely damaged in a fire on Friday morning, is now a robbery crime scene.
Whakatane detectives have launched their investigation at the 15 unit motel after a robbery complaint was made, says police area commander Eastern Bay of Plenty Anna Jackson.

The fire involved fire fighters from Whakatane, Edgecumbe, Kawerau, as well as a command unit and fire crew from Greerton.
The 40 or so fire fighters took more than two hours to bring the blaze on the 70m long single-storey building under control.
Assistant area commander Jeff Maunder says the building is 80-85 per cent damaged.
The fire service is treating the cause of fire as suspicious at this stage.
Earlier reports had no-one hurt.
The motel on Parimahana Drive is a 15 unit motel that includes a sports bar, gaming machines and wholesale liquor outlet. It was on the market for sale.