Man tries to jump into New Zealand parliament

A man tried to throw himself from the public gallery of New Zealand's Parliament into the debating chamber.

He was about halfway over a low guard rail when he was nabbed by other members of the public sitting in the gallery watching the debate – directly above where Labour MPs sit – before being tackled by security and escorted out, Herald Sun reports.

He had tried to climb over a low barrier during a debate about security requirements for Prime minister John Key on Wednesday, Associated Press reports.

The Parliament's public gallery is about 12 feet above the ground, Associated Press reports.

There were gasps from members of parliament as the man, heard muttering about injustices, tried to launch himself into the chamber below (see their reaction here on parliamentary TV).

Prime Minister John Key initially blamed his political opponents in the Labour Party for the incident.

The two parties have been arguing over the level of security detail needed for Mr Key.

One security guard is believed to have been injured during the incident on Wednesday afternoon, Sun Herald reports.

Some members of parliament used Twitter to discuss the incident.

"Somebody tries to throw themselves off the balcony in parliament. Great catch security and public. Would've made a mess of the opposition," National MP Tau Henare tweeted.

The man was arrested for breach of the peace and he was undergoing a health assessment, New Zealand Herald reports.