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John Key is jostled at Waitangi - Source: ONE News -
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There has been a major security incident at Waitangi, as two protestors tried to attack Prime Minister John Key as he made his way onto Te Tii Waitangi Marae.
The sudden attack came just after he got out of his car, outside the marae. The first protestor rushed towards Key, grabbing onto his arm and pulling his shirt.
Diplomatic Protection officers and police grabbed the man and dragged him away.
Seconds later, another man launched himself at Key, momentarily pinning him against the car, before he was also dragged away by police.
One man yelled "don't think the Maori Party's going to help you bro", as he was being led away.
Far North Area Commander Inspector Chris Scahill says both men are being questioned at Paihia Police Station. He says police are determining exactly what happened before they decide what charges the men will face.
The Prime Minster, who already has a broken arm, appeared shaken at first, but remained calm.
Veteran activist Titewhai Harawira, who was beside Key during the incident, apologised and said it should never had happened.
Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples and MP Hone Harawira, also tried to help.
Earlier at Te Tii Waitangi Marae, a Nga Puhi woman said was prepared to send Key a message.
"He is not saying enough for us," Ruth Snowden says.
Snowden, who has been to the last 15 Waitangi Day commemorations, says Key was saying the right things about implementing the Treaty of Waitangi.
But he has said "a little bit but it is not enough, he needs to say more".
His arrival had earlier been delayed by fog at nearby Kerikeri Airport.
It is the first time a Prime Minister has visited the
marae since Helen Clark was jostled there in 2004.
