More than 20 arrests have been made after pro-Palestine protesters attempted to blockade an aerospace conference in Christchurch, chaining themselves to doors and shutting down all entrances and exits.
The activists looked to shut down Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch, where New Zealand’s largest aerospace conference is being held.
Space, drones and defence are on the agenda for the annual two-day New Zealand Aerospace Summit 2025.
A statement from local activist group, Peace Action Ōtautahi, explained their action.
“They are protesting the explicit links between the aerospace industry, the US military, the Israeli Defence Force, and international weapons companies. Many have chained themselves to doorways and remain steadfast in the blockade.”
Spokesman Joseph Bray said there is “no place for war profiteers and genocide enablers in Aotearoa” and described it as an “insidious industry”.
“We have weapons manufacturers and foreign militaries operating here under the guise of humanitarian progress and innovation.
Image 1 of 12: Dozens of pro-Palestine protesters attempted to blockade an aerospace conference in Christchurch. Photo / George Heard
“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.”
Herald journalists at the scene have witnessed protesters already being carried off in handcuffs by police officers this morning.
Police are taking away protesters outside the main door one by one.
“Why are you arresting me for peacefully protesting?” one could be heard asking.
Others are chanting, “Shame! Shame! Shame!” as arrests are made.
Veteran activist John Minto has a megaphone. “This is a conference of warmongers.”
A section of the group was seen surging forward before they were pushed back by police.
Specialist officers are checking unattended bags and surrounding bushes.
Canterbury metro area commander Superintendent Lane Todd said they will continue to monitor the event throughout the day.
“At this stage, 22 people have been arrested for trespassing and obstruction,” Todd said.
“The role of police is to ensure safety and uphold the law, while recognising the lawful right to protest.”
The protesters say their demands are clear; end all rocket launches and development of technologies in New Zealand with military and lethal applications. Or more simply, ‘Keep Space for Peace.’
They are also calling for an end to Rocket Lab’s launches in New Zealand, including BlackSky satellites from their Mahia Peninsula launchpads.
They say high-resolution images taken by these satellites “are sold to the Israeli Defence Force, who then use that real-time information to locate and strike civilian infrastructure and populations in Gaza”.
“Rocket Lab also launches spy satellites and technology for the United States military, which threaten Aotearoa’s security and likely violate nuclear-free laws through aiding the US Nuclear Program.”
Rocket Lab chief executive Sir Peter Beck is scheduled to speak at the summit today.
Kea Aerospace chief executive Mark Rocket said the protest activity did not disrupt the conference happening inside Te Pae.
“We recognise the right of peaceful protest, and we’ve reached out to the demonstrators prior to the event to seek a peaceful way that they could have their voices heard,” he said.
Rocket said aerospace plays a key role in Kiwis’ lives, and helps connect people, while satellites predict weather, track climate change, help with disaster relief, and manage air traffic.
He said the aerospace sector is currently worth about $2.5 billion a year to the New Zealand economy and has the potential to continue to grow.
Davien Gray, who was chained to one of the entrances to Te Pae, said they wanted to tell people “how terrifying the industry really is”.
“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 attended the conference yesterday - and is expected back today - telling the Herald about her excitement at the fast-growing sector.
“It’s fabulous work, and we’ve got so many Kiwis now getting this great work,” she told Ryan Bridge on Herald NOW.