Police have detained one woman outside a defence forum in Palmerston North at protests organised by groups calling the event a "weapons expo".
The New Zealand Defence Industry Association Forum chairman says the conference is not a weapons expo and labelling it so was a cry for attention.
A small group of protesters have gathered in Featherston St, ahead of a march to take place in the city square at 11.30am.
![Protesters begin to assemble at a police cordon in Featherston St. Photo / Alex Robertson](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/TORMSVIPUYVRNWLHBWAUVGRTQU.jpg?auth=ab060956e43569883c67a691191c7609182b9ded2e1ab3ab4ce13f04d1c778bc&width=16&height=12&quality=70&smart=true)
A strong police presence included extra officers brought in from Whanganui.