There is a heavy police presence at Auckland's Heritage Hotel, the venue for the Young Nats’ Ball tonight.

Auckland Action Against Poverty Group started a party of their own outside the hotel with music and food.

They have now been moved on by police.

All the doors of the hotel have been locked with security guards in place; police have formed a line outside the main entrance..

The Group say they are drawing attention to growing inequality, where beneficiaries, the unemployed, and low-wage workers are hit the hardest, while the rich continue to benefit.

Their protest follows a three day event last week where volunteers helped hundreds of beneficiaries access the welfare entitlements they are often denied.