Summarised by Centrist
Journalist and activist Liz Gunn has been convicted of assault after an incident at Auckland Airport in 2023. Gunn, who touched the arm of a security worker during a heated exchange, argued her action was a “gentle touch” to get attention, but the court deemed it “hostile” and self-serving.
Gunn’s conviction stemmed from touching airport security worker Anna Kolodeznaya’s arm during a dispute while filming without permission. Police arrested Gunn and her associate Jonathon Clark moments later.
Kolodeznaya alleged “sharp pain,” while Gunn called it non-threatening. Judge Janey Forrest described Gunn’s behaviour as “arrogant, rude, overbearing, and offensive.” Gunn was convicted of assault but discharged without financial penalties, as the judge acknowledged the offence was of a “very low level.” Clark was acquitted of resisting arrest.
Defence lawyer Matthew Hague argued that convicting Gunn for such minor contact was disproportionate and could tarnish her reputation, given her background as a lawyer. Judge Forrest rejected this, stating Gunn’s high profile and controversial views already affected her public image.
Speaking outside court, Gunn criticised the judge’s impartiality, especially for labelling her a conspiracy theorist. In her written decision, Forrest noted the police’s rapid escalation during the arrest, suggesting better communication might have defused the situation.
