Mayors, Members of Parliament marked to dine with former US president Barack Obama

It will be a who's who of New Zealanders in a dinner party with the former US president as an array of prominent Kiwis are marked to feast with the former leader of the free world.

Barack Obama is set to dine and address an invite-only audience of about 1000 on Thursday night in Auckland at the ANZ Viaduct Events Centre.

The event will include prominent business people and MPs - about 35 MPs have been invited although Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will not attend.

MPs attending include National Party leader Simon Bridges, MP Alfred Ngaro and NZ First MP Shane Jones.

Green Party co-leader James Shaw said he was invited but could not attend because of another appointment.

Te Mata Estate chief executive Nick Buck was also one of the lucky few attending the event.

He said he was an admirer of Obama, and was proud to have the estate's Bullnose syrah and Elston chardonnay served.

MC for the evening is poet laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh.

It is understood mayors of Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Christchurch and Nelson accepted invitations to the banquet.