Three men thought to be carrying weapons robbed a dairy at One Tree Point, south of Whangarei, yesterday.
Police said just before 5pm the three men wearing hooded sweatshirts entered the One Tree Point Store and allegedly threatened the owners.
They left with cigarettes, tobacco products and food.
Detective Sergeant Aaron Crawford said they had arrived in a stolen vehicle, later found abandoned at the Takahiwai Rugby League grounds on McEwen Rd.
The brown Toyota Corolla, registration NR2057, had been stolen from the Okara Shopping Centre in Whangarei on Friday.
Police would like to hear from anyone who saw the car being taken or driven in Whangarei and Ruakaka over the weekend, and anyone who saw suspicious activity around One Tree Point yesterday.
Phone Whangarei police on 09 430 4500, or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.