Police release images of picky bank robber

Wellington Police are continuing their investigation into an aggravated robbery which took place at a BNZ bank in Petone at about 12pm yesterday. Photo / NZ Police

Police have released images of a fugitive suspected of robbing a bank.

The BNZ on Jackson St, Petone, Wellington, was robbed at about 12pm yesterday and officers are on the hunt for the man involved.

The robber approached the BNZ counter, spoke to staff and handed over a note threatening them.

No weapon was seen or used in what police are describing as an "aggravated robbery".

The robber approached the BNZ counter, spoke to staff and handed over a note threatening them. Photo / NZ Police

The robber was handed "an amount of cash", before walking out of the bank on foot and heading east along Jackson St, Petone's busy main road.

"We are very concerned, as inquiries revealed the male went into Kiwibank initially to write the note that he later took to BNZ," said Detective Sergeant Ben Quinn, of the Wellington crime squad.

"He went into the bank, wrote the note on their slip and then left to present it at the BNZ.

"There was no attempt to use the note at Kiwibank nor to interact with staff there, however, as you can imagine we are very keen to find this man."

The robber is described as Maori or of Pacific Island descent, with a stocky build.

He was wearing a light-coloured top, dark pants and black beanie, with a bag slung over his shoulder.

Police are appealing for sightings.

Anyone with information can call Lower Hutt police on 04 560 2600 or Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.