Police in Kaitaia are looking for a person who robbed a bakery in the town's centre at knifepoint.
The robbery happened about 5am on Sunday at the Coast to Coast bakery.
Police said the robber, who they believe is a woman, used a large knife to terrorise and threaten people in the shop before leaving with a small amount of cash.
Detective Sergeant Beatson said he is confident that forensic testing will identify the suspect, but with the public's assistance hope to find her sooner.
Police want to hear from anyone who noticed any suspicious behaviour in the area.
