Police have found a stolen vehicle used in the armed robbery of a Moerewa service station on Tuesday morning, but are still looking for the offenders.
They also want to hear of sightings of a second vehicle believed to have been involved.
Acting Detective Sergeant Greg Johnson said three people entered the BP service station about 6.50am on Tuesday. Two of them were carrying weapons (not firearms).
They threatened the sole female employee before taking cigarettes and the drawers from two cash registers and fleeing.
The offenders, two men and a woman, were dressed in dark clothing and had their faces covered.
Police have since recovered a grey Mazda Proceed vehicle, found on Mangakahia Road, which they believed is linked with the robbery, but are still looking for a black ute or similar.
They were keen to hear from anyone who saw either vehicle on Mangakahia, Otiria or Ngapipito roads between 6.50 and 7.30am.
"The Mazda has left through Ngapipito Road, on to Mangakahia Road towards Kaikohe. We also believe there may have been a black ute travelling in convoy with it," Detective Sergeant Johnson said.
Information should go to the Kaikohe police, phone (09) 405-2960, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555-111.