PM's car egged during state housing visit

Police keep the crowd of protestors back as the Prime Minister John Key leaves after opening new State Houses in Maraenui, Napier. Photo / Warren Buckland

Protesters egged Prime Minister John Key's ministerial BMW as it collected him from a state housing development in Napier this afternoon.

Mr Key was unhurt in the incident but one man was later arrested for obstruction.

The incident happened about midday in Maraenui as Mr Key concluded a visit to a new state housing development.

Earlier, about 10 protesters, some clutching Mana Party banners, greeted the prime minister and challenged him about child poverty and enabling synthetic cannabis to be sold.

They shouted: "One, two, three, four, stop the war on the poor,'' and "Maraenui under attack, stand up, fight back''.

As Mr Key went to leave the development a group of children converged around the prime minister and resumed the chanting. His ministerial BMW then appeared, which was egged as it whisked him away.

As police tried to move the group, one man was arrested for obstruction.

Earlier, Mr Key answered media questions about Shane Jones announcing he was quitting the Labour Party to take up a position created by the National-led Government.

Mr Key said he wasn't personally involved in the discussions and could not recall when he found out Mr Jones had been offered the role.

He added that Mr Jones had seen an opportunity, and had been an "effective'' Labour MP.

He also said Mr Jones was perfect for the job.