Peace Action Wellington Protest NZ DIA Conference

At eight o’clock this morning the Wellington Peace Action protest of the New Zealand Defence Industry Association conference entered its first stages. In Frank Kitts Park people dressed in grim reaper costumes mixed with families, students and several extremely well-behaved dogs.

By twenty past eight over a hundred people had gathered in the park. Peace Action Wellington member Valerie Morse gave a speech to those attending and said that the point of the protest was to “shut down this weapons conference”. She described the action of the day as a “community blockade” and that their intent was to “disrupt and interrupt this conference as much as possible”.

Morse emphasised that people were only to do what they were comfortable with doing and said that protestors should “participate in ways that feel ok for you”.

Protestors were issued with a “bus pass” each which contained legal advice and the details of a trusted lawyer. They were also given schedules of the conference and briefing notes containing points to discuss with the media.

At eight thirty the protestors wended their way around both sides of the TSB arena to and immediately began to obstruct the entrance ways to the venue. While they proceeded along the waterfront members of the Brass Razoo Solidarity Band played snatches of The Imperial March.

Supported by a set of tables providing water, food and first aid the protestors sat in formation and waited for delegates to begin to arrive. One early attendee of the conference was glitter bombed as he entered the conference. A heavy police presence was in place at the entrance to the arena and officers were patrolling around the arena as well.

Peace Action Wellington are intending to continue protesting throughout the duration of this two day conference.

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