Angry protesters greet PM

Daniel Tobin

A protester is arrested after jumpnig on the roof of the Prime Minister's car.

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Prime Minister John Key was greeted by angry protesters as he arrived for the South Island Forum in Christchurch.

Over 100 gathered outside the Isaac Theatre Royal on Gloucester Street, many waving placards protesting the dismissal of Environment Cantebury councillors earlier this year.

One protester jumped on the roof of the Prime Minister's car shortly after he arrived at 6.45pm.

The young man badly dented the roof of the car as he jumped up and down shouting: "You can't drink money, you can't drink s***''.

He was quickly pulled off the car by police and handcuffed.

For the second year, The Press hosts the South Island Forum - an opportunity for the people of Christchurch to put their questions directly to the Prime Minister on a range of issues.

Last year the major issue was the international credit crisis; this year the debate will focus on tax, GST and the Government's programme for economic growth – and anything you wish to ask.

A Christchurch lobby group calling itself Our Water, Our Vote is planning a protest outside the venue at the Isaac Theatre Royal on Gloucester Street.

"We need to show John Key and the nation that we are not happy with the dismissal of our elected councillors and his plans for our water.

"He needs to know that we do not want our rivers, lakes wetlands and aquifers destroyed. He also needs to know that we do not want agribusiness to be given vast quantities of pure water free of charge while we are forced to pay high water rates for a restricted supply of chlorinated and contaminated water,'' a message on the group's website says.

"Bring a placard if possible. Those with placards should stand facing the other side of the road so the placards can be seen and photographed by the news media."

The first half of the two-hour forum will see the Prime Minister questioned by a panel comprising Orion chief executive Roger Sutton, Fairfax national business editor Fiona Rotherham, and Press assistant editor Colin Espiner.

The second half will see host and Press editor Andrew Holden open the floor to questions from the public.

The forum begins at 7pm, and with a larger venue, tickets will be available on the night.

The Isaac Theatre Royal is in Gloucester St, Christchurch.

- © Fairfax NZ News