A service station attendant was stabbed in the head, face, and arm during a "vicious and callous" robbery in Levin.
Police said a person with their face covered entered the Levin Mobil Service Station on Oxford Street at about 4.30am armed with what is believed to have been a knife.
The offender stabbed the male attendant and stole cigarettes from the scene.
The attendant suffered cuts that weren't life threatening and called emergency services.
He was taken to Palmerston North Hospital, where he is in a stable condition.
Detective Mike Deegan said the robber was wearing dark clothing and had a white bandana cloth covering their face.
The person was wearing navy and white shoes, which police hope will help someone recognise them. "We are providing support to the victim who has been left shaken from this vicious and callous attack.
"It is vital that we speak with anyone that may have any information about this incident and we have released some CCTV images in the hope that the public may be able to help us identify the offender."
Police are continuing to speak with the victim in an effort to gain description details of the offender, including gender.
Police want to speak to anyone that was in the area around the service station between 3:30am to 4:15am and noticed any suspicious activity or vehicles.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Joe Pointon on (06) 210 2219.
Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.