More than 200 people, concerned at American aggression towards Iraq, took to the streets on Saturday morning to protest against a possible war in the Middle East.

Banners waving, with messages such as, "no blood for oil", "war won't stop terrorism", and "peace is possible", the protesters marched peacefully through the centre of town.

At a peace rally in Seymour Square, peace campaigners, Marlborough District Councillors, concerned members of the public and Mike Treen representing the Alliance, gathered to condemn the events unfolding over Iraq.

Marlborough District Councillor John Craighead said the Middle East was likely to be the centre of continuing tragedy because of its history and our lifestyles dependence on its diminishing supplies of oil.

Cr Craighead said there was still hope, however.

"The human shield that is forming, people willing to put their lives on the line for the protection of principles and other human beings...is the most stunning example of a revival of the human spirit before us at the moment," he said.

After the rally protesters headed out to the Waihopai spy base to demonstrate against its perceived role in America's wars.

The protesters were issued passports to the "Undemocratic Republic of UKUSA" - the agreement that the Anti-Bases Campaign (ABC) says governs global electronic and signals intelligence among the West - and were ceremoniously welcomed onto the base by a flamboyant "Uncle Sam".

Under the shadow of the wire fence, the many security cameras watching their every move, around 60 people got a close-up look at the giant domes and listened as the spy base was denounced.

ABC spokesperson Murray Horton said the information gathered at Waihopai went straight to the US National Security Agency, without any New Zealand governmental control.

Sergeant Ciaran Sloan, of the Blenheim police, said the protestors acted in good faith, remaining on the paved driveway and protesting lawfully.

Mr Sloan said that the only disappointing aspect of the weekend was the fact a road sign on Waihopai Valley Road had been sprayed with an anti-spy base slogan.