KEY POINTS:
At least eight members of the Diplomatic Protection Squad shielded John Key and his wife, Bronagh, from the moment they arrived at SkyCity - where 1000 National Party supporters had based themselves on election night.
Locking arms and forming a circle around the couple, the officers made sure no one could get near the Keys as they walked from their car, through the tightly packed throng of supporters and media and up on to the stage for the speech.
It was security on a scale that has rarely been seen in New Zealand but one that had been practised by the squad well in advance.
At one stage, the officers at the front of the circle looked like rugby players as they used their shoulders to push their way through the crowd.
They did not stop for members of the press, supporters offering their congratulations or the numerous blue and white streamers that rained down on them.
Experienced political reporters said they had not seen security on that level before.
But both the police and Mr Key insisted yesterday that the measures were simply security procedures and nothing unusual.
Mr Key said there had been no specific treat against him and explained the tight security away by saying it was simply due to the large media contingent and number of supporters.
Along with the officers surrounding Mr Key, police and hotel security were also clearly visible throughout the evening and media had been warned well in advance to keep their distance when the Prime Minister-elect made his entrance.
