Protesters have scaled the building used by an international weapons company in Rolleston in a bid to stop it establishing a presence in New Zealand.
Two people from the group Peace Action Ōtautahi are on the roof of the NIOA building on Stoneleigh Drive and banners have been hung across the exterior.
In late December, the group hung a banner across the Bridge of Remembrance in a similar protest.
In 2023, the global munitions company acquired Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, an Australian-owned, US-based manufacturer of firearms and ammunition operating out of Tennessee.
The company's website states its products are "used by civilian sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military and more than 80 State Department approved countries across the world".
In a press release, Peace Action Ōtautahi said the protest aimed to highlight the alleged killing of innocent civilians with weapons supplied by NIOA.
NIOA has been approached for comment.
Established in 1973, NIOA Group is a global firearms, weapons and munitions company with operations in the US, Australia and New Zealand. It's distribution network covers 75 US State department-approved countries.
Nioa.co.nz states the company has a rich history of supporting the New Zealand Defence Force and police, providing "essential weapons systems, tactical gear, and munitions to bolster security and readiness".
NIOA New Zealand officially opened its new Canterbury headquarters in October last year after relocating from Auckland. The new office, warehouse and distribution centre in Rolleston serves as the central hub for the company’s New Zealand operations.
The new 1130 sq m facility houses administrative offices, distribution services and a high-tech warehouse and stock management system designed to streamline operations.
A police spokesperson said they were aware of the protest. Two people had climbed on to the roof while others surrounded the premises.
In a later statement, police said the people on the ground had moved, but the two protesters remained on the roof.
"We are working to safely resolve the situation, and remove people from the roof," the police spokesperson said.
"While we respect the right to lawful protest, our responsibility is to uphold the law and ensure the safety of those involved."
Fire and Emergency New Zealand staff and the police public safety unit and negotiation team were also at the scene.
