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Arrests as protesters target Christchurch aerospace summit

RNZ 8 October 2025 

Thirty 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 Te Pae Convention Centre.

Several protesters have been carried away by police outside the national aerospace summit in Christchurch.

Several protesters tried to storm the building that was being blocked by police while others carried banners, waved flags and chanted “shame” nearby.

Vision shows police pushing demonstrators into a garden bed outside the building.

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.

She told RNZ the protesters “live in another world” and they should “follow the rules”.

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 is the party’s spokesperson for Defence and Space, spoke to protesters and 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.

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.

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…………………………………………………………………………………………………. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/575302/arrests-as-protesters-target-christchurch-aerospace-summit

October 10, 2025 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | opposition to nuclear