Two men armed with a large kitchen knife robbed a Tauranga petrol station overnight.

At about 3.50am, two men entered the premises on the corner of 15th Ave and Mayfair St, Tauranga, says Detective Sergeant Darryl Brazier.

"One of these men has approached the sole employee and produced a large knife and subsequently demanded money and cigarettes.

"Both of the men then left the premises a short time later, with an as yet undisclosed amount of cash and cigarettes."

One of the men was dressed in dark clothing and had his face covered.

The other man was wearing a grey hoody, black long pants and white Adidas shoes.

The grey hoody had the word ‘Puma' in white letters on the left side of the chest.

"This man was also wearing a dark beanie on his head under the hoody," says Darryl.

Police would like to speak with both of these men but in particular the man shown in the attached photograph.

"We would like to hear from anyone who knows this person.

"Police would also like to speak with anyone who may have been in the area at the time of this robbery and who may have seen these two males in or around the Z service station."

The service station employee was not harmed but is traumatised as a result of this robbery, and is receiving support.

If you can help, please call Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.