Men in two different aggravated robbers threatened retail staff with knives -- one making off with cash and cigarettes but the other getting only chocolate and a kick for his efforts.
Palmerston North Detective Sergeant Brett Calkin said a "relaxed" balaclava-clad man tried to rob the Top Cook takeaway shop
in the city about 9.40pm on Saturday.
He confronted the shop owner with a knife and demanded cigarettes but she said "no" and told him to go away.
"The offender eventually gave up trying to get the cigarettes and simply took a small number of chocolate bars from the counter and left the shop," Mr Calkin said.
As he left, the woman's husband ran up behind the man and kicked him. The offender dropped one of the chocolate bars and ran off.
The other robber, at a Challenge petrol station in Hamilton this morning, was more successful.
He made off with three red Challenge shopping bags full of cash and cigarettes after threatening the forecourt attendant with a large knife about 8am.
Detective Sergeant Greg Nicholls appealed for sighting of the man around the area of the station on the corner of Naylor and Dey streets.
He was described as being in his late 20s or early 30s, European, about 170cm tall of stocky build. He was wearing black baggy pants and a blue and white hooded jacket.
The offender in the Palmerston North robbery was described as Maori, of medium build, and about 170cm tall. He was wearing dark clothing.
"He is also likely to be a smoker," Mr Calkin said.
He asked for sightings of the man in the College and Cook Street area.
Mr Calkin said while the woman was to be commended for her actions, police did not recommend resisting armed offenders.
"It is not worth the risk of being injured or killed for a relatively small amount of property or money. The best advice in a robbery situation is to do what you are told, be observant and call the police as soon as possible."
- NZPA
