PM mobbed by activists in Mana

Prime Minister John Key was mobbed in Porirua today as he campaigned for National in the Mana by-election.

A group of about 10 supporters of independent unionist candidate Matt McCarten crowded around Mr Key when he arrived at North City Shopping Centre, and they were joined by Labour Party activists backing Kris Faafoi.

Mr Key couldn't hear the people he was trying to talk to over screams and chants, and one determined woman activist repeatedly got in his face as he tried to meet voters.

Rima Taraia persisted in demanding that Mr Key speak to her and demanded his attention. Security officers several times pushed her away from Mr Key but she wasn't removed from the scene.

The crowd around Mr Key chanted "John Key what's the score, one law for the rich and one for the poor".

Another woman, Caroline Harvey, said she was a qualified social worker but had no job and was living in a caravan in Cannons Creek.

- NZPA