A man posing as a delivery driver burst into a Christchurch home this morning, tied up a husband and wife for three hours, before fleeing in their car.
Police are now hunting the intruder who they say is possibly armed and should be considered dangerous.
At around 7am, the man - described as Caucasian man, aged between 30-40 years old, and 1.8m tall and of solid build, entered the home in the Christchurch suburb of Harewood.
He has pretended to be a delivery man, police say.
He tied up the husband and wife and some three hours later, at 10.20am, left in the victims' blue Toyota Vitz, registration number HFD599.
The couple then called their son, who dialled 111.
"Police quickly went to the address and canvassed the area, however they did not locate the man or the vehicle," a police statement says.
"If you see this vehicle, or believe you know who committed this crime, please call 111 immediately.
"The victims are understandably shaken but thankfully otherwise uninjured."
They are receiving support from police, victim support and other family members.
Police say they have "a number of enquiries underway" and asks that anyone who suspects that they might know "who this man is to do the right thing and come forward".
Information can be reported to Christchurch Central Police Station, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.