The new law framed by the Queenstown Lakes District Council to keep the mouths shut on the contentious issue of Airport share sale was criticized by a top lawyer of New Zealand.

A media law and elections expert, Hugh Rennie, Wellington QC, expressed that he did not agree with such a law that barred one to speak over certain issues. He claimed that candidates have right to speak freely. The advice was put forward by QLDC lawyer Mactodd this week.

As per the Mactodd memo, the free speech of candidates can lead to “contempt of court”, as the High Court has confronted the partial share sell-off to Auckland International Airport.

On July 9, the decision was declared by Queenstown Airport Corporation, controlled by QLDC, to sell 24.99% of its assets to Auckland International Airport for $27.7 million, which was objected by High Court.

Last week, the QLDC management’s instruction snubbed Mayoral candidate, Vanessa van Uden to talk over the airport’s matter. Earlier on Monday also, about 20 participants of a pre-council meeting were advised by Mayor Clive Geddes on similar issue.

“I can think of no way that a public issue which expresses the position of a candidate during an election period could be contempt merely because a judicial review is before the High Court”, said Rennie.

Rennie has challenged Mactodd’s advice of snubbing the right to speak.