From: Peace Action

Wellington Date 6 October 2006

15 people died outside Te Papa (Wellington) at lunchtime today to draw attention to the upcoming weapons conference. The New Zealand Defence Industry Association conference will take place at 'Our Place' on 17/18 October.

Over the last four years, the Defence Industry Association has been hosting a conference at ‘Our Place’ Te Papa. At this conference New Zealand companies showcase wares developed for military use and multinational weapons manufacturers network about new technology and lucrative contracts. Representatives from corporations such as Lockheed Martin, manufacturer of a wide range of weapons and missile systems, are in attendance. The protesters died-in right at the main entrance to the museum. Others handed out fliers and held a banner.

Peace Action Wellington calls on Te Papa to put the interests of peace before profit and inform the New Zealand Defence Industry Association that they are not welcome at 'Our Place' in 11 days.

During the die-in 5 security guards gave participants 1 minute to go behind a barrier or be served with trespass notices. The barrier is always erected when Peace Action members attempt to make the public aware of the conference. Today, the Te Papa management was obviously not prepared - the security guards set up the barrier while people were dead on the ground.

Join the demonstration: Tuesday, 17th October, 12noon leave Pigeon Park For more information, check out www.peacewellington.tk

ENDS

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