Twenty-two people have been arrested at a demonstration outside an aerospace summit in Christchurch.
RNZ’s reporter at the scene said about a dozen were chained together near the entrance to the Te Pae Convention Centre.
Several protesters have been carried away by police outside the national aerospace summit in Christchurch.
Several protesters were carried away by police.
Photo: RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon
Another 20 protesters were carrying banners nearby and chanting.
Defence Minister and Minister for Space Judith Collins arrived at the event earlier, accompanied by a large security escort.
Collins and the wider aerospace sector were targets of chanting by protesters.
Peace Action Ōtautahi alleged Collins had overseen the “intense militarisation” of the aerospace industry, bringing it closer to the US Military.
Greens MP Teanau Tuiono, who was the party’s spokesperson for Defence and Space, spoke to protesters, voiced his support for demonstrations.
RNZ’s reporter said several protesters tried to storm the convention centre being blocked by police.
Police remained at the scene and said they were continuing to monitor the situation.
Photo: RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon
Superintendent Lane Todd said the police’s role was 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.
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