Rotorua police are appealing for witnesses to an aggravated robbery at a superette to come forward as they try to find the man responsible.
A man threatened a female shop assistant with a knife at the Fairy Springs Superette, on the corner of Fairy Springs Rd and Kawaha Point Rd on Monday just before 12pm.
The woman was alone at the time. The man threatened her with a knife and demanded cash and cigarettes. He escaped with a small amount of both and ran off towards Kawaha Point.
The man is described as having olive skin, is approximately 172cm tall, of solid build and is believed to have been aged between 20 and 25 years.
He was wearing dark coloured clothing, which included a bandanna to hide his features.
Police want to hear from anyone who may have seen this man before or after the robbery or who has any information which may help police identify him. They can call Detective Warwick Webber or Detective Kathryn Murphy at Rotorua police on (07) 348 0099. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.