National Party gathering hijacked by protesters

Auckland Action Against Poverty attempt to disrupt the arrival of Prime Minister John Key. Photo / New Zealand Herald / Jason Oxenham

A National Party gathering in Auckland has been hijacked by protesters this afternoon, with police removing at least two people that infiltrated the building.

Members of the National Party including Prime Minister John Key are attending the event at the Royal Akarana Yacht Club in Orakei.

Outside the venue, protesters from the group Auckland Action Against Poverty are playing amplified music and holding banners to get their message across.

AAAP coordinator Sue Bradford said the protest was spurred by the government's involvement with SkyCity's controversial convention centre development.

"National should not even be considering taxpayer funding to prop up a corporate giant like SkyCity, where everyday people are being denied even the most basic food, benefit and housing entitlements," she said.

Earlier this afternoon Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce today announced that SkyCity had agreed not to pursue a financial contribution from the Government and would instead amend its design to ensure the facility could be completed without financial input from the Crown.

As Mr Key arrived at the venue about 30 protestors pushed forward, yelling at him and forcing police to form a protective barrier around him. Linking arms they shielded Mr Key from the group and escorted him inside the club.

Shortly after, Ms Bradford and Jonathon King went inside the building but were ejected by police after a few minutes.

Mr King claimed his loud hailer had been damaged as police removed him, and that officers had held him by the throat as they escorted him outside.

No arrests or injuries have been reported. The protest continues.