There has been a long history of resistance to the weapons conference in Wellington, which continues despite the ongoing intensive state harrassment against many activists. The large numbers of police in attendance at the Duxton this morning were a sign that they were concerned about protests, despite the great effort put into keeping this year's conference quiet (change of date, no promotion, etc).

This morning an activist was assaulted (punched in the chest) by an angry conference attendee/organiser(?) who came out to confront the protest. The cops simply gave him a warning, but threatened the activist with arrest because he had allegedly been harrassing the man first. (See photo of assaulter below, talking to the cops). A member of the private investigation firm Thompson & Clarke (who had set up shop inside the hotel) also stole an activist's plastic trumpet. When police were confronted about this, they said it could be given back 'later', and then later refused to acknowledge that the theft had even taken place.

The action continues tomorrow! Meet at 6pm, with pots and pans for making music, at the corner of Cuba & Wakefield Sts.

The event is organised by Palmerston North company SP Conference Management. please call/visit the Duxton and/or SP to give them a piece of your mind. Duxton Hotel: 170 Wakefield St 04 473 3900 SP Conference management: Sue Peck 06 357 1466 027 4423 122 Fax 06 357 1426 suepeck (at) xtra.co.nz

More Info:

A weapons trade in NZ? Currently, there are 37 companies that are part of the 'NZ Defence Industry Association'. This is a nice name that really means 'weapons trade'. Some companies produce components which are used in conventional weapons and support systems. Some are owned by multinational companies which manage nuclear weapons facilities overseas. These include companies such as MAS Zengrange in Lower Hutt that manufacture weapons firing control systems and communications systems for mortar and artillery batteries. Ordnance Development Limited, based in Wanganui, manufactures special purpose ammunition, training ammunition and Anti Material ammunition. Serco Group, the parent company of Serco Project Engineering (based in Upper Hutt), helps manage Britain's atomic weapons facilities where British nuclear weapons are designed, manufactured and refurbished.

What's wrong with the weapons industry? Weapons producers are also called War Profiteers because they exist to make money from bloodshed and violence. Every time ammunition is used or a weapon destroyed, it is money in the bank for these companies as they supply more and more. These companies conduct extensive research and product testing for the extra advantage that will make their weapons, training systems, or components best sellers with militaries and mercenaries around the world. Here in NZ our tax dollars are supporting this so-called 'research'. In 2003, Trade and Industry NZ gave $100,000 to Flexisolutions to develop its jungle-sweeper grenade. This item was described as 'likely to be popular with anti-terrorism forces'.

Along with these grants, Trade and Industry assist members to capitalise on export markets. Members of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and the New Zealand Ministry of Defence (MOD) are active supporters and participants in NZDIA activities. They participate through their Industry Liasion Managers who work closely with New Zealand companies, to promote commercial opportunities in the supply of products and services.