Waikato Police are investigating the aggravated robbery of a Te Kauwhata service station at around 5:45pm Thursday evening.

A man entered the station on Main Road armed with what appeared to be a pistol and demanded cash.

The offender was in the service station for a reasonable period of time with a number of other customers entering and exiting the store before he presented the pistol.

Staff complied with the offenders demands and when further customers entered the store and became suspicious about the offenders behaviour, he has fled through the stores rear exit with a quantity of cash.

He is described as Maori or Polynesian, of solid build and during the robberies he wore black scarf across his face.

He was last seen running down Wira Street in the direction of Mahi Road, Te Kauwhata.

Police praise the actions of the shop workers who remained calm and took notice of everything that the offender was doing.

CCTV footage from the service station shows the offender is very similar in appearance to the offender who robbed the Maybelle Superette on Kensington Avenue in Waihi at about 12.50pm yesterday.

While no-one has been hurt in either of the robberies, on both occasions the victims have been threatened with a firearm and were emotionally shaken.

Police are asking the public to be alert and report any suspicious behaviour particularly around rural and isolated shops and service stations.

The male offender involved in these robberies is considered dangerous and should not be approached as he is believed to still be in possession of a firearm.

Police are wanting to speak to anyone who may know who this offender is, may have seen either robbery occur or been in the vicinity around the time of the offending.

Anyone with information about the robberies is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Jason Perry on 07 858 6200.

Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

SOURCE: New Zealand Police