TPP protesters throw 'Bon Voyage John Key' party on Christchurch's Cathedral Square

A group of Trans-Pacific Partnership protesters and vocal opponents of outgoing Prime Minister John Key are holding a celebratory leaving party in Christchurch tonight.

The party, "Bon Voyage John Key" organised by campaign group Its Our Future Christchurch, kicked off in the city centre beside Cathedral Square at 4.40pm.

Thousands were invited to "come celebrate with music, laughter, dancing, happiness, and fellowship".

"Key has promoted the injustices of inequality, housing, the rich - poor gap, selling our assets to overseas corporations, increasing carbon and methane emissions causing global warming, trade deals that reduce our democracy and give control of some of our economy, laws and regulations to overseas corporations, environmental degradation, health, education, tax cuts to the rich at the expense of the poor, and job losses. If there was ever a reason for New Zealanders to celebrate it is John Key's resignation," the invite said.

Gen de Spa of anti-TPP campaign group Its Our Future Christchurch says "John Key was a bit of a sugar-coating on a load of bitter pills that have been forced down our throats by the National Party". Photo / Mark Mitchell

Organiser Gen de Spa said they're happy that Key is leaving office after eight years, and also the end of the TPP deal and the victory over the Dakota Access Pipeline.

"John Key was a bit of a sugar-coating on a load of bitter pills that have been forced down our throats by the National Party, and their policies [that] are slightly cruel and extremely short-sighted," de Spa said.

"There is a really good chance now because I think the populace vote for John Key was very strong and what we need now is some really strong women who care about children to take the reins of power and show how New Zealand can lead the world."

The party, at the Dance-O-Mat on the corners of Colombo and Gloucester streets, is scheduled to finish at 7.30pm.

Partygoer Charles Drace said that many of the things viewed as being unjust in New Zealand stem from policies promoted by Key.

He believes that Key has resigned now after having done all he can for overseas companies.