Police blocked at gang pad party

Police were called on Saturday after a noise control officer responding to complaints about excessive noise was refused entry to the Barrett Rd headquarters in Otara, a police spokeswoman said.

Partygoers refused to allow the first officers who arrived on the scene inside, prompting a large police response.

Eventually, more than 20 officers made 12 arrests.

Most of those arrested will appear in court today facing minor charges including obstructing police.

Superintendent Graham Emery, operations commander for Counties Manukau police said officers were diverted from Operation Unite, a blitz on alcohol-related crime, to deal with the unruly party-goers.

"There was a function there, it got out of hand, there were a number of complaints made by the community and we had to go down there and sort out the issues that were there," Emery said.