In Not the News today (content may offend), the controversial ‘flashmob' advertising format came to Mount Maunganui today when hundreds of students, allegedly paid by a well-known condom manufacturer, gathered in Pilot Bay to form the shape of a giant ‘protected' penis.

Each member blew up a six-foot long, ribbed for comfort, condom, and was then guided carefully into position from a chartered helicopter hovering over the scene.

Accompanying safety boats offered their own sort of protection to the participants as they attempted to penetrate the inner harbour.

'It all ended safely, and was great fun. All the participants did a great job, and were rewarded with a lie down and a cigarette afterwards,” says spokesperson Richard Head.

Spectators aboard the Ravished Princess cruise liner moored nearby were particularly impressed with one elderly American lady fainting at the sight of a 100 metre phallus approaching her rear cabin.