Fake blood splattered inside Defence House in protest action

A red substance was thrown by protesters around Defence House in Wellington this morning. Photo / Julia Gabel

Two people have been taken into custody following protest action which saw fake blood splattered inside Defence House this morning.

Images of the scene show fake blood splattered and pooled around the building’s foyer and on the front desk. Both entrances where workers have to present swipe cards to enter Defence House, which is next door to Parliament, had the red substance thrown on them.

A reporter at the scene said about 15 protesters were “out the back of Parliament”.

Protesters were also stationed near Defence House, near a cafe and sites where workers enter the building.

A witness described the substance as a “red liquid”, which was possibly paint.

Red liquid was splattered on the Defence House floor near a security entrance.

Police officers are at the scene, including a police van.

A police spokesperson said officers were called at about 8.45am this morning to reports of a small protest taking place on private property on Bowen St. A New Zealand Defence Force spokesperson confirmed there was a protest at Defence House this morning.

“The group were trespassed from the address and warned that further action could be taken. Ultimately, two of the group were arrested for trespass,” police said.

Charges are being considered.

“Ten activists staged a die-in at the security entry points to the offices of the NZDF, the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the Ministry of Defence. Additional peace activists gathered at the building’s entrances with banners and signs demanding an end to Aotearoa New Zealand’s participation in Rimpac,” the protest group said.

Peace Action Wellington carried out the protest to oppose New Zealand Defence Force troops being deployed in Pacific military exercises and its involvement with Israel.

Azaria Howell is a Wellington-based multimedia reporter with an eye across the region. She joined NZME in 2022, and has a keen interest in city council decisions, public service agency reform, and transport.