Police are calling for information about any suspicious activity in Paihia - and urging people to keep their properties secure - after a home invasion in the Bay of Islands town.
Detective Sergeant Chris Fouhy, of the police Criminal Investigation Unit, said an elderly man was woken by an intruder in his room about 10.30pm on Sunday in the Kings Rd area. The occupant shone a torch on the intruder, who assaulted him and demanded a cellphone.
The offender, who had entered through an insecure window, then fled empty-handed.
The victim was not seriously injured.
The intruder was described as Maori and aged 15-18 years old. He was of medium to stocky build, 172-178cm in height (5ft 8in to 5ft 10in), and wearing a grey hoodie.