Police are hunting for a group who ripped off a good Samaritan.
Good Friday turned bad for the Samaritan after he stopped to help a silver Subaru station wagon that lost its exhaust, north of the Awakino tunnel on State Highway Three, southwest of Te Kuiti.
The motorist pulled over about 10.30am and went underneath the station wagon to see what was up.
"Whilst the motorist was underneath the vehicle rendering assistance, one of the group has allegedly entered his vehicle and removed two credit cards," Acting Sergeant Peter Lawn said.
"The credit cards were later used in Te Kuiti, Otorohanga and Te Awamutu before being cancelled.
"It is believed that there were up to five people in the vehicle, and that they were heading north of Taranaki."
Mr Lawn said it was believed the Subaru might have been parked on the side of the road overnight on Thursday and that other motorists might have stopped to help.
Anyone with information can call New Plymouth police on 06 759 5500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.