Blockade the National Aerospace Conference 2025!

On October 8, more than 100 concerned people from around the country will join together and ensure that no aerospace summit takes place. Are you ready to get involved? If you know you're willing to get involved then flick through to sign up on the next page, but if you need a bit more to sway you, then keep on reading.

Space is cool, we agree. But it's dangerous to think that's all the Aerospace Industry is. Nearly every company produces what's known as 'Dual Use Tech' - that's technology that has both civilian and military uses, though in reality has nearly sole military applications. And that's technology our Government and Aerospace Industry are more than happy to develop and launch - to the tune of billions of dollars.

For example, if a company develops aerial imaging technology that can attach to satellites, they can put a little but of effort into tweaking it for the identification and monitoring of wildfires - or for mapping changes in coastal erosion over time. But what they've really developed that technology for is selling to the US and Israeli militaries so they can monitor civilian populations in Gaza and inform missile strikes. Only one of those options gets that company the most money and the biggest contracts, while they still get to hide behind the pretence of 'dual use' . Being the good guy doesn't pay, especially when your clients are the biggest militaries and defence companies in the world.

And that's not a fake example. It's not embellished or hyperbolic. That's exactly the technology that the company BlackSky makes. And that's exactly the technology that Rocket Lab launches from Mahia Peninsula in the North Island (and why they've been referred to the International Criminal Court). The technology that Israel uses to target civilians in Gaza, the technology that they use to target hospitals, schools, and universities - to commit genocide. Launched from New Zealand.

Our Aerospace Industry tries to take the moral position by ruling out launching tech with sole military use, but that's only a minor part of the sector. Our government and domestic aerospace companies wholeheartedly embrace (and virulently defend) dual use technologies. But there is no balance to be found between that which saves and that which kills. There is no middle ground when one of those outcomes is genocide.

Aotearoa must state in no uncertain terms that technology capable of death and mass destruction has no place on our shores. Our Aerospace Industry can't hide behind the façade of 'space exploration' and use 'dual use' labels to justify war profiteering. We must end our complicity now, and we hope that you take this first step with us on October 8

The National Aerospace Summit 2025 is the largest aerospace conference in New Zealand - Many of the most influential (and vile) characters come from around the country and the world to spend two days presenting, networking, peddling their 'dual use technology.' Each year it is hosted at Te Pae Convention Centre in Ōtautahi Christchurch, and each year the protest surrounding the event dramatically increases. The first day, October 7, consists of focus sessions and general networking, but October 8 is 'Summit Day' where the main speakers and events take place.

The Aerospace Summit 2025 has the theme of "Open Skies, unlocking the future of aerospace, innovation, and sustainability." We anticipate much of the discussion will surround the NZDF's planned purchase of $450 Million of unmanned 'Killer Drones,' and who is going to get those contracts. The alarming increase in defence spending and the Minister for Defence's presence at the summit mean that military discussions aren't just on the table, they're the whole reason for it.

October 8 is critical to shut down - on the programme is Minister of Defence/Minister for Space Judith Collins, and Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck. Both have been referred to the International Criminal Court for their complicity in and knowing support of Israel's genocide of Gaza through the launch of BlackSky satellites in Mahia. Also there is Mark Rocket (President of Aerospace New Zealand), Isaac Henderson (Chair of UAVNZ, the uncrewed aircraft body), Wisk Aerospace (a Boeing subsidiary), Nova Systems (International defence contractor), Blue Origin (Jeff Bezos' space company), and NASA delegates.

We're excited to have you on board! By signing up here, you're indicating that you're willing to blockade the National Aerospace Summit 2025, which will go ahead following the conditional sign up of 100 attendees. For the safety of all protesters, and the certainty that we will shut down the summit, we've set a minimum required number for the blockade action to go ahead. Should we unexpectedly not reach that number, there will certainly be other protest actions to participate in.

Once you sign up, we'll be in touch with the next steps, more legal information, and preparation. Stay up to date with what's happening on our Instagram @peaceactionotautahi, and feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns there, or at peaceactionotautahi@pm.me

With a group of 100+, legal consequences of a blockade are not anticipated, but this is not guaranteed. Peace Action Ōtautahi will endeavour to make the potential consequences of the action fully transparent, and will fully communicate these at later preparation events. Should at any time you not feel comfortable committing to the action once signing up, then there is no expectation that you have to follow through with it - only do what you're okay with!