The leader of the opposition's taking a stand against the way a senior Government Minister was protested against at Waitangi.

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce copped a plastic penis to the face last week when he was accosted by anti-TPP activist, Josie Butler.

Labour Leader Andrew Little says people go to Waitangi expecting a right old ding-dong, but not necessarily one like that.

He says throwing things at politicians "shouldn't be encouraged".

"No matter how angry you are at the policies, there is a right way to protest and people should protest...but I'm not sure this was the best way to do it."

No word yet on whether Ms Butler will be in trouble with her employer for her protest - Mr Joyce says it's not his issue.

He says it's for her to deal with and he's staying right out of it.