Charges against nine people of the 15 people who were arrested while protesting outside a Defence Industry Association conference in November 2015 have been dropped by police.
Protesters and an attendee faced off outside the 2015 conference Photo: RNZ / Kate Gudsell
About 150 people blocked entry to the Wellington conference, with protesters organised by Peace Action Wellington labelling the meeting "the business of war".
The trial of the 15 demonstrators who were arrested began in the District Court in Wellington yesterday.
But police lawyer Catherine Gisler told Judge Ian Mill this morning no further evidence would be offered against nine of the defendants who were charged with wilful trespass and obstructing the police.
A full public gallery of supporters erupted in clapping and cheers as the judge discharged them.
The trial would continue for the six others, who were facing a mix of obstruction and trespass charges.
