Peace Action Ōtautahi

"When the Criminal Investigations Bodily Samples Act was first passed in 1995 it allowed compulsory samples only from people who were charged with offences with at least seven years jail time as the maximum. In 2011 this act was amended to lower the threshold to cover people charged with any imprisonable offence. “I’ve read [the] Police operational guidelines and they contain nothing about Bill of Rights entitlement to protest, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and so on. This looks like a clear case of Police making use of a power that they have in a way that it was never intended to be used. It looks like they are doing it to intimidate people engaged in political protest and dissent. It should be restricted to its original purpose of investigating and detecting perpetrators of serious crimes. This is a good example of why judicial oversight of DNA sample should be required unless there are exceptional circumstances."

Our message remains clear: “so long as our aerospace industry remains dependent on the United States Military and complicit in genocide, there are growing numbers of people willing to stand up and take action”

Human rights lawyer David Small’s analysis of police’s misuse of power to intimidate protesters is vital for our changing environment in Aotearoa right now. It’s crucial to be aware of how police violence is used in our country.
#nzpol

Judith Collins, who arrived at the summit with a large security escort, was utterly unconvincing in dispelling any notion of the industry's real aims. She is now facing intense public opposition, especially to her plans of increasing domestic military technology production, like that of 'Lethal Drones’. Collins' statement to the protesters to "Follow the rules" is ironic given that she herself has recently been referred to the International Criminal Court for enabling Israel's genocide of Palestine. A spokesperson remarks "She's failing in her obligations under Article 1 of the Genocide Convention to 'Prevent and Punish' genocide. "

Footage from the protest shows significant physical aggression from the New Zealand Police. Lucy Corlett, one of the activists arrested, said: "Yesterday I was dragged along the ground by police, then held down and knelt on as they forced my wrists behind my back to be handcuffed. I’ve been left with injuries to my shoulder, elbow, wrist and ribs. However, my treatment pales in comparison to Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people -- a project furthered by Rocket Lab launches from Aotearoa soil. I refuse to stand idly by as a conference of warmongers takes place in our city of ‘peace'. As long as our government keeps our country complicit in the genocide of Palestinians, we will continue to protest."

A Peace Action Ōtautahi spokesperson, Davien Gray, states: “Seeing police violence against peaceful protesters against war and genocide is harrowing. It’s clear that New Zealand Police are primarily concerned with protecting those profiting from war, regardless of whether or not that requires using excessive force against civilians. Aotearoa New Zealand should protect those standing against apartheid and genocide, not detain and assault them."

Arrestees were also forced by police to provide DNA samples in custody, behaviour described by human rights lawyer David Small as appearing to be done "to intimidate people engaged in political protest and dissent." David's statement provides insight into the concerning overreach that protesters were subjected to. The three activists detained overnight remained in Police custody for over 23 hours. We allege that those arrested on breach of bail were not charged until much later in the day once the courts had closed, so that they had to remain in custody overnight.

Our full statement is in these graphics, and our message remains steadfast and clear: “so long as our aerospace industry remains dependent on imperialist militaries and complicit in genocide, there are growing numbers of people willing to stand up and take action”.
#nzpol

36 arrests at National Aerospace Summit. Organisers claim “major victory”.

On 08/10/2025, more than 100 peace activists descended on Te Pae Convention Centre to blockade and disrupt the National Aerospace Summit for it's ties to the United States Military and international weapons companies. The protest, organised publicly online by Peace Action Ōtautahi, was extremely successful in challenging the narrative around what the aerospace industry really is, the group states. Around 6.30am, groups of activists chained themselves and blockaded various entrances to the building. Of these activists, 22 were arrested, and three minors were detained and released, most at the main entrance. Later in the day, Police arrested 14 more activists for obstructing Police vehicles leaving the summit with previously-arrested activists inside, as well as for wilful trespass, and breach of bail conditions. Three protesters were held overnight, and released around 11.30am on 09/10/25.

We celebrate the disruption of the summit and labels the protest as a major victory. "We set out to expose the aerospace industry as what it really is, a front for developing and launching foreign military technology. And we did exactly that," states a spokesperson for the group. "It's clear from the response that these links aren't common knowledge, but thanks to these brave activists who were willing to put their bodies on the line, our legitimate concerns have entered the public conversation."

The summit will be held again in Christchurch next year. The spokesperson remarks: "The number of people who are now aware of what aerospace really means, and how New Zealand is complicit in war crimes around the globe, has just been exponentially increased. I'd expect the number of people willing to take direct action against this summit next year to be magnitudes larger."

Our aerospace summit blockade was an enormous success despite police aggression. Ngā mihi maioha to our brave peace activists! 🔥

#nzpol #nz #peaceactivism #freepalestine #antiwar

Ngā mihi nui comrades!
#nzpol

🚨This is the state of policing in Aotearoa New Zealand.🚨
This is what peaceful activists, like spokesperson Joseph Bray, are facing for taking a stand against complicity in genocide.
#nzpol #nz #peaceactivism

Ngā mihi for your support, it goes a long way toward legal costs ❤️🇵🇸

Ngā mihi maioha to our brave activists for showing up for peace in the face of police violence. We, the people, say NO MORE WAR!
#nzpol #kikorangi

⚠️BREAKING ⚠️ 25+ arrests have been made violently by police, who are facilitating the business of war and genocide in Te Pae right now. We, the people, say NO to the aerospace military industrial complex. We, the people, say NO MORE WAR IN OUR NAME. #nzpol #nz #peaceactivism

BREAKING: Police have arrested 20+ peaceful protestors using excessive force! Shame on cops for facilitating genocide and war mongering 🤮

Disgusting use of force by police to facilitate complicity in genocide. SHAME!
#nzpol

🔥 It’s go time e te whānau 🔥 Come down to Te Pae NOW to blockade the Aerospace Summit and keep space for peace!

Please remember to
💙Donate (🔗🌲 in bio!)
💙Share our content widely
💙Come picket in support or join the blockade if you’re able!

#nz #nzpol #peaceactivism

Screenshot of 1of200 post on Instagram. Text reads: see 1of200.nz for pod. Blockading the National Aerospace Summit: A chat with Peace Action Ōtautahi “

Catch PAŌ on @1of200.bsky.social podcast to learn about the NZ aerospace sector, U.S. military involvement, and our complicity in genocide — all in preparation for our blockade of the National Aerospace Summit this week!
Listen here: www.1of200.nz/podcast/1200...
#nzpol #kikorangi

Screenshot of PAŌ’s Chuffed page. Banner reads: “they call it innovation… we call it war profiteering. The New Zealand aerospace summit is back. Help us to shut it down. October 7-8 3035. 8am onwards @ Te Pae convention centre.” Title reads “Aerospace Blockade - Fighting Fund”, and the fundraising counter shows $865 raised.

Screenshot reads: “why do we need to fundraise? We need your help to resource an effective blockade — kai, water, other necessary gear we’ll use to prevent war criminals from doing their business in our city. We need ~$4,000 to equip over 100 activists with everything they’ll need to stand up and fight back against this industry. Can you spare a coffee for the cause? All donations go a long way toward materially disrupting the aerospace military industrial complex. Any additional funds raised will be used for anti-war and pro-peace activism. If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with us by emailing peaceactionotautahi@pm.me or send a DM to @peace.action.otautahi on Instgram.”

Keen to support anti-war kaupapa in Aotearoa? Please donate to our blockade fighting fund, and give activists the best chance at shutting down the war profiteers’ summit in Ōtautahi!
#nzpol #kikorangi #peace
chuffed.org/project/aero...

If military interests dominate, Aotearoa could see a future where innovation prioritizes profit over human welfare, risking our values and safety. Let's advocate for peace. #futurism

We need as many people as possible to mobilise for this blockade. We’re materially disrupting the business of war, and every single person that comes will be a part of shutting down dirty war profiteering. Please share the kaupapa!
#nzpol

Red background on a news style graphic, with a photo of Judith Collins being interviewed by RNZ in the centre. ‘Breaking’ text is in a banner at the top. Main text reads: This is horrifying. The government just proudly announced their plan to develop NZ into a large-scale supplier of drones, firearms, and other ‘lethal weapons.’ They’re partnering with private companies to manufacture AI-powered military technology, which will be both used domestically and sold overseas.

Similar style graphic with an image of a tank. Text reads: On Friday, Defence Minister Judith Collins pledged to launch an unprecedented intensification of our military sector. The plan outlines a drastic increase in spending, and a commitment to pursuing tech-driven ‘innovation’ for lethal capabilities - simply put, to kill more efficiently. “Collins remarked, ‘I love being Minister of Defence. Look at these toys!’”

Similar style graphic with SYOS CEO next to military tech. Text reads: AN ORWELLIAN FUTURE FOR AOTEAROA "The Technology Accelerator is a fantastic initiative for New Zealand industry that will help more companies bring advanced tech to defence faster. But it goes further than that as the use of robotics unlocks much greater capabilities with use of AI, computer vision and swarming capabilities. This is a capability step change." This partnership of sadistic military executives, profit-hungry tech bros, and the New Zealand government is absolutely appalling. Our country is not only volunteering itself as a violent tool of imperialism, but strengthening the means by which it can silence protest and target civilians within Aotearoa.

Graphic has an image of previous years’ aerospace with Rocket Lab and a missile. Text reads: Next week’s Aerospace Summit is the embodiment of this perverse industry: a business conference of suit-wearing war criminals enjoying tech showcases and networking events as people actively die at the hands of their products. We will not allow Judith Collins, Peter Beck, and the other disgraceful attendees to carry on with their mission of turning Aotearoa into a military base for the United States of Israel. JOIN OUR BLOCKADE - BECOME THE RESISTANCE

The closer our government gets to sadistic military/defence industry executives, the more lives will be lost.
We cannot afford to trade human lives for ’technological innovation’.
We will NOT allow Aotearoa to be made into a glorified military base.
#nzpol #nz #kikorangi

🚧🚨 Come to our NVDA training on Saturday @ the WEA ahead of the blockade next week. Find out more about the upcoming blockade, the horrifying pro-war agenda of aerospace industry, & why YOU should join us! Practice non-violent direct action skills & get cozy with your fellow blockaders from 6-8pm.🚨🚧

Do you have a spare hour tonight? DM us and help us spread the word! It’s time to shut down the business of war in our city.
#peace #activism #christchurch #otautahi

Stand up and take direct action against companies in Aotearoa that are complicit in genocide.

🔥Blockade the National Aerospace Summit with Peace Action Ōtautahi on October 8th 🔥

To get involved with the blockade, email peaceactionotautahi@pm.me, sign up w/ the link in our bio, or send us a DM

A better world comes one blockade at a time! Ngā mihi for your support ❤️

Graphic of a rocket with text overlaid, with a similar message as the skeet above.

Space background with PAŌ logo in the top right. Reads: “want to get involved? Here’s how: if you’re keen to take part in the blockade then DM @peace.action.otautahi on Instagram or email peaceactionotautahi@pm.me. Want to come down and support on the day but don’t want to join the blockade? Then we’d love to see you at… Te Pae convention centre, Ōtautahi, October 8th, all day protest! Summit begins at 8:30am. And join us the day before too, picket and noise making protest on the 7th from 8.30-12pm.”

We’re officially blockading the Aerospace summit! 🥳
100+ activists around the country have committed to shutting the business of war down - they’re clear in saying KEEP SPACE FOR PEACE! #nzpol #peace #nz
Check out how to get involved ⬇️

Fire bomb on a city is the background to text that reads: “Companies connected to the aerospace sector continue to supply weapons and technology to Israel, enabling the ongoing assault on Palestine. The drones, bombs, and surveillance tools marketed at summits like this are the same ones raining down on Gaza. To host this event in Christchurch is to give legitimacy to these crimes.”

Someone holding a Free Palestine banner is the background to text that reads: “Nobody is free until we are all free. Stop the aerospace summit. Join us, link in bio.” A QR code is in the middle, linking to the jotform linked in our bio.

A fire caused by a bomb in a city is the background to text that reads: “they call it innovation, we call it war profiteering. Join us in blockading the New Zealand Aerospace Summit to stop it operated for good. Oct. 7-8, Te Pae convention centre. More to come.”

War crimes ≠ innovation.
Join us to say NO to war profiteering in our city — register at the link in our bio!
(Reposted from Instagram — alt text included)
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#nzpol #peace #activism #blockade #christchurch #nz

Vintage image of a woman with a globe on her head, riding a rocket, is the centre image on a black background. Top red text reads: THE AEROSPACE SUMMIT IS BACK. Bottom white text reads: WHY IS THIS A PROBLEM? with a white arrow to the next image.

Stop sign on a street is the background. Text reads: “The Aerospace Summit is being sold to us as “innovation” and “opportunity”. In reality, it is a meeting ground from weapons manufacturers, war profiteers, and government officials who see the sky about as a place of wonder, but as the next battlefield. This is not harmless “space exploration”. It is about militarising the skies, monopolising space, and using technology to expand surveillance and control. When corporations and states claim ownership of space, they do it for power and profit — not for people. We cannot ignore how deeply tied this industry is to war crimes and occupation.”

A bombed image of Rafah is the background to text that reads: “This summit is dangerous for our city and for our world. It normalises the idea that war and exploitation are “progress”. It invites those who profit from bloodshed into our communities. And it tells our young people that the future lies in building weapons instead of building peace. We don’t need a summit of arms dealers and war profiteers. We need futures of justice, solidarity, and compassion.”

The Aerospace Summit is back. Why is this conference of “innovation” so concerning for peace activists?
Sign up to blockade at the link in our bio!
(Graphics crossposted from Instagram - alt text included)
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Ōtautahi unfortunately is a prime location in Aotearoa for these sorts of conferences, given the long history of US involvement here. Check out this link from ABC for some details about the Harewood military base:

www.converge.org.nz/abc/otherbas...

Thanks for the support, share the word ✊

Our jotform is encrypted, and plenty of folks are using pseudonyms or private email addresses. We’re using sign ups to to best plan our blockade, which helps keep everyone as safe as possible. There’s risk involved in blockading - as with every protest! - but we’re doing our best to mitigate this.

BLOCKADE - Peace Action Ōtautahi is shutting down the National Aerospace Summit on October 8 - and we need YOU to be there!

Register your interest in joining the blockade in the link in our bio. Resist the militarisation of our aerospace industry and KEEP SPACE FOR #PEACE!
#nzpol #christchurch

Free this Wednesday eve? Join us at "ACT, the fool!", a laughtivism talent show taking the piss outta ACT, coinciding with David Seymour's public forum at Rydges Hotel.
We all need a laugh at ACT's expense. See FB event for more details and to register your talent.
#nzpol #AoNZ #christchurch

What is Rocket Lab launching into space and why are people angry about it? What we know about what goes from the Māhia Peninsula into orbit.

The aerospace industry is an expansion of the military industrial complex, just dressed in better marketing.
Rocket Lab openly takes $ from war profiteers like Lockheed Martin and the genocidal govt of the US. They can "strongly refute" these facts all they like - we know the truth.
#nzpol #AoNZ

Not all heroes wear capes. Some are brave rangatahi with strong morals and no fear of heights or war criminals.

Dig deep and help them out, every little bit will really help.

@patbrittenden.bsky.social, @chewienz.bsky.social please give this a boost!

#nzpol
#kikorangi