A liquor store worker was back on the job a day after a masked robber thrust a weapon in his face and demanded money and cigarettes.
A man wearing a dark hoodie and bandanna entered the Whangarei Liquor Centre on Maunu Road about 6.30pm on Saturday.
He showed a weapon, believed to be a firearm, at the shop worker and demanded money and cigarettes.
The worker handed over some cash and cigarettes and the robber was last seen running down the alley towards First Ave.
Police put in cordons on nearby streets and called in a police dog and handler.