Police are looking for an athletic would-be robber who leapt onto the counter of a Kaikohe dairy.
Detective Sergeant Chris Fouhy, of Kaikohe police, said the offender entered East End Dairy, at the bottom of Broadway, about 6.30am on Wednesday and bounded onto the counter.
He then jumped down behind the counter and made a couple of attempts to hit the shopkeeper while demanding money.
The shopkeeper avoided the blows while a workmate went outside and called for help.
At that point the offender ran out empty handed, Mr Fouhy said.
The man was thought to be in his late teens to early 20s, of "fairly athletic" build and about 175cm tall. His face was covered and he was wearing light-coloured shorts and a dark hoodie.
He urged anyone who was in the area at the time, or who recognised the offender, to call Constable Kirk Glentworth on (09) 405 2973.