Protests at oil industry conference in Wellington

Police made four arrests when a group of oil industry protesters started padlocking fire exits at an oil industry summit in Wellington.

About 200 protesters were blockading the event at TSB Arena today.

They arrived before first light to blockade the conference, zip-tying themselves to a metal bar to prevent access to the New Zealand Petroleum conference.

Some also stood outside access points to TSB Bank Arena to stop delegates getting in.

Protesters spread across several entrances to the arena. A group near the waterfront built a makeshift wall with wooden pallets.

Realising conference members were getting into the arena through the underground car park, protesters blocked that entry point too.

"Think of your kids and think of your grandkids, shame on you," one man called as police escorted a member of the conference through a back entrance.

Another woman hurled swear words, saying rivers were being destroyed.

"I can't even get in my river because of people like you," she yelled. "F*** you, you destroyed my homeland.

"Your kids are going to hate you and I hope they f***ing do."

Other signs read "now is the time for bold, progressive leadership", and "end oil".

Protesters have blocked entrances from the carpark too. Photo / Melissa Nightingale

Two people who were holding signs by the side of the road said they were there for their kids.

"All the world's governments are dragging the chain on climate change," the woman said.

"We know that we can't burn what we've already discovered, so just getting out looking for more is suicidally idiotic."

The man said if nothing was done, "50 years down the track we're all going to die".

The pair would not give their names.

The woman said it would take only seven more years to reach 1.5C of warming.

"This Government has to act now. What are you going to say to your kids in seven years?"

Police Inspector Brett Amas said the majority of protesters acted with restraint, but problems began when a small number of protesters began padlocking and blocking fire exits.

"This type of behaviour is reckless and irresponsible.

"Our police teams acted swiftly to remove several locks and blockades to ensure those inside the venue were not put at risk."

Inspector Amas said two men, aged 22 and 19, had been arrested and charged with assaulting police.

A 20-year-old woman was also been arrested for obstructing a public place, and given a pre-charge warning.

A 38-year-old man was charged with breach of the peace.

Inspector Amas said they also received reports of a man in his 50s being injured near the Arena, but when officers arrived, the man didn't want any assistance.

Amas said it was the police's role to ensure safety and uphold the law.

"We will continue to monitor the city to ensure that the right to protest is balanced with the right for delegates to attend events, and for the public to go about their daily lives."

Protesters are fighting climate change. Photo / Melissa Nightingale

Delegates from across New Zealand and the world attend the annual New Zealand Petroleum Conference, to "celebrate our petroleum industry", says the conference's website.

"New Zealand's oil and gas sector is poised for action and ready for growth – exploration activity is progressing and there is genuine excitement about the opportunities available and the development under way."

Police arrive with boltcutters to open a door locked by a giant padlock. Photo / Melissa Nightingale

Jack Santa Barbara said resources spent on oil exploration should instead be used for investing in renewable energy sources.

"The technology is there, other countries are doing it, we know how to do it but we're being fossils by continuing to rely on fossil fuels."

Joanna Santa Barbara believed they were being heard.

"I think a few of the energy companies really are starting to think this way and we just have to push all of them."

Protesters were banging on the fire exit doors with hands, feet, sign posts, and bits of chain.

Police rushed Minister Megan Woods out of the building. She did not address the protesters.

Protesters screamed and yelled as members entered the arena through the open fire exits.

A large crowd gathered around the fire exits banging loudly on the doors.