A man and a woman face numerous charges after allegations a police officer was coughed on - and another assaulted - at a Northland petrol station

Police say the pair were seen overnight at a Kaitaia petrol station without masks.

They say the man refused to provide his details, and the woman became verbally abusive and physically obstructed officers, before coughing on one officer and assaulting another.

A 27-year old man and a 31-year-old woman are expected in the Kaitaia District Court today.