Wellington Police are investigating an aggravated robbery at a Newlands dairy yesterday.

Detective Sergeant Martin Todd of the Wellington CIB says at about 10.40am yesterday morning, a male employee was working at Clive's Foodmarket in Newlands Road, when a man entered the store demanding money and presented a knife at the victim.

"The victim then grabbed a nearby cricket stump to defend himself. The offender fled, taking some cigarette products with him."

Detective Sergeant Todd says witnesses saw the offender get into a green coloured ute parked in the vicinity of the nearby Newlands BP service station. This vehicle was driven by another person, down Newlands Road, towards the motorway.

Luckily the victim sustained no injuries as a result of the incident.

"Although not injured, it was a frightening experience for the victim, especially as a knife was involved. We hope that the public can assist in identifying the offender involved."

He says enquiries made so far have identified the vehicle used by the offender as a green Nissan Navara ute, with no canopy, registration YD8691. This vehicle was stolen in Taupo on Wednesday 1 February and has been used in one other known offence in the North Island since it was stolen.

The male offender is described as Maori, aged between 30 and 40 years, of average height and build with bushy dark hair. He was barefoot, wearing a black jacket, dark trousers and sunglasses with wide lenses and frames.

Police believe a female has been seen in the vehicle as well. She is described as Maori, aged between 22 and 27 years, 160cm tall, medium build with long dark hair.

Detective Sergeant Todd says, "Police are appealing for any witnesses to the robbery or any suspicious activity around the time of the incident. We are also very interested in locating the stolen vehicle and its occupants.

"This vehicle could be anywhere in the North Island. If people see this vehicle they should call Police in the first instance and should not approach the occupants."

Anyone with any information should contact Wellington Police on (04) 381 2000 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.