Protesters gather at war memorial in Wellington

War hero Willie Apiata looks on during the official opening of the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. Photo / Hagen Hopkins

Soldiers, veterans, politicians and a small group of protesters have gathered for the dedication of the Australia Memorial at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington.

War hero Willie Apiata is among those gathered ahead of the arrival of Prime Minister John Key and his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott.

A few demonstrators from Peace Action Wellington have also gathered at the monument.

Protesters James Barber and Tara Dalefield said the Abbott government's treatment of Aborigines was among the reasons for the protest.