He was delivering five pizzas to a house in Paramount Parade, Tikipunga, about 7pm on Wednesday when a man approached his car and demanded the "kai" and money. The delivery man went to phone the number that had sent the pizza order, when the robber threatened him with a knife and demanded money.
The robber also leaned in the car window and tried to take the keys.
"I gave him the pizza and then the money I had and he ran off," the victim said.
Police were called but the robber could not be located.
The man was described as a male Maori, of slim build and about 1.70m tall. He was wearing a cap, a black bandanna, a blue tracksuit top and white-soled sport shoes.
The manager of the pizza business - which this newspaper has agreed not to name - said drivers carried little cash on jobs because most orders were paid via a mobile eftpos machine.
Earlier in the day, police were called to an aggravated robbery in which a 23-year-old woman walking through Tawera Park near the skate bowl, about 4.30pm, was confronted by a man with a knife. He took her cellphone and credit cards.
The robber then ran through the park towards Maunu Rd and was last seen near the hospital.
The man was described as dark-skinned, of medium build, and about 1.65m tall, wearing a blue hoodie, with the hood up, and black sunglasses.
Whangarei police Detective Sergeant Dave Hamilton said police were following strong leads after the incident at Tikipunga and would like to thank residents in the area for their co-operation while officers were door-knocking as part of their investigation.
Police want to hear from anyone who witnessed, or has information about, either aggravated robbery. Those with information can contact Mr Hamilton at Whangarei police on 09 430 4500 or, if they wish to remain anonymous, can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
