Thirty people have been arrested at a demonstration outside an aerospace summit in Christchurch.
More than 100 activists have shut down Te Pae Convention Centre, where the annual two-day New Zealand Aerospace Summit is being held.
Space, drones and defence are all on the agenda at the annual two-day New Zealand Aerospace Summit 2025.
An RNZ reporter at the scene said about a dozen people were chained together near the entrance to the Te Pae Convention Centre.
"Many have chained themselves to doorways and remain steadfast in the blockade,” says a statement from local activist collective Peace Action Ōtautahi.
"No attendee has been able to enter, and they are protesting the explicit links between the aerospace industry, the US military, the Israeli Defence Force, and international weapons companies."
Superintendent Lane Todd said officers were at the scene to ensure safety and uphold the law while recognising the lawful right to protest.
Peace Action Ōtautahi said they were protesting the aerospace industry's ties with the United States and Israeli defence forces.
Spokesperson Joseph Bray said "there is no place for war profiteers and genocide enablers in Aotearoa".
"It’s an insidious industry; we have weapons manufacturers and foreign militaries operating here under the guise of humanitarian progress and innovation.
"Most of us grow up with a sense of awe about rockets, space, and the universe. It’s especially tough to come to terms with the fact that ‘aerospace’ is simply the word militaries and weapons companies use to make their wartime technologies more palatable."
Others were heard chanting: “Shame! Shame! Shame!".
Veteran activist John Minto was behind a megaphone at the protest.
"This is a conference of warmongers," Minto said.
The protesters are calling for an end to the development of technologies in New Zealand with military and lethal applications.
They also called for an end to Rocket Lab’s launches in New Zealand at its base on the Mahia Peninsula.
Aerospace New Zealand president Mark Rocket said it recognised the right for lawful protest as part of a vibrant community, but it was also important for the industry to get together to discuss opportunities for the country.
Davien Gray, who was chained to one of the entrances at Te Pae, told the NZ Herald: "It’s critical that the public know just how terrifying the industry really is, that’s why I’m here today.
"People aren’t really aware of how complicit our country is in Israel’s genocide in Gaza. This blockade sends a clear message that public perception is shifting, and we won’t stand for these launches from New Zealand that enable the mass killing of civilians.
"Not enough people are aware of just how complicit New Zealand is in Israel’s ongoing genocide of Palestinians. We’re here to send a clear message that our government does not represent the views of the people; we won’t stand for genocide-enabling tech to be launched from New Zealand, not now, not ever."
Space Minister Judith Collins was expected to attend the summit again today.
'Follow the rules' - Collins
Collins said protesters "live in another world" and were fortunate to live in a country where they can lawfully protest.
"We are very fortunate to live in a democratic country where people can undertake lawful and non-violent protest, but people also need to follow the rules. Police are handling it very well and I understand there's some been some arrests but just follow the rules, you'll be fine," she told RNZ, while at the summit on Wednesday morning.
Activists had accused the government of being complicit in genocide and had labelled some members of the coalition as war criminals.
Responding to the claims, Collins said "these people live in another world".
"We live in a world where we're very aware of the issues that we're dealing with in terms of geopolitical tensions," she said.
"We're also very aware that the space industry in New Zealand is primarily civilian - not all, but primarily - and it is crucial for our communications; it's crucial for our surveillance; it's crucial, and we're talking about our maritime area and our search and rescue work. This is crucial for search and rescue. This is crucial for issues around floods and other natural disasters."
New Zealand was lucky to have companies like RocketLab and the billions of dollars the wider industry brought to the country's economy, Collins said.
"These are enormous big benefits for our New Zealand economy, but that means better jobs for New Zealanders, great jobs in the STEM subjects and we've just got to make sure that we celebrate our economic growth because that's what pays for our hospitals, that's what pays for our schools, and it helps New Zealanders be a wealthier country.
"I actually do say to some people, they're living in the past, they're living 30, 40 years ago, they need to get with it and get with the programme."
Asked if she was comfortable with the ethics and work of the industry, Collins said: "Absolutely - perfectly comfortable with it. And I thank goodness that we live in a country where we have the opportunities for people to protest legally".
"I suggest that they think about other countries where they don't and go there if that's what they really want," she said, laughing.
-RNZ and Allied Media
