Luxon trapped in meeting by protesters

National Party leader Christopher Luxon, other party members and people from the Palmerston North Chinese community were trapped in a bridge club for an hour by a group of protesters until police arrived.

Rangitīkei MP Ian McKelvie, who was one of those prevented from leaving the Palmerston North Bridge Club on Cuba St on Saturday morning, said about 50 or 60 people blocked the gate.

Among them was Ricky Cribb, who ran for Advance NZ in the 2020 general elections and was fined for failing to file campaign donations and expense returns, McKelvie said.

McKelvie said the group were wellknown to him due to regular protests.

They were primarily protesting on Saturday against the closure of the Marsden Point oil refinery, McKelvie said.

‘‘It’s just one of those things we put up with in this business [of politics].’’

Police said they were called after a report of ‘‘a small group of protesters’’ blocking the entrance. Everyone was able to leave after police spoke to the group, with no one being arrested.