Police want to hear from anyone who may have information about the identities of the offenders, or witnessed the incident and suspicious activity in the area around this time.
Police are also asking for anyone who has noticed individuals with a large amount of cigarettes or who may be selling them at a reduced price.
A resident in the area who was mowing his lawns at the time of the robbery said he saw two men walking past him wearing hoodies and sunglasses. One had a backpack.
He said the men walked down Kawaha Point Rd towards the school.
He said they didn't seem in a hurry but were not moving slowly. He said he couldn't clearly see their faces.
Information can be provided by contacting Rotorua Police on 07 3480099 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
