Sport star fights release of name

A prominent New Zealand sports star linked to an international drug importation and supply conspiracy is fighting to keep his name secret in the Court of Appeal.

The sportsman had fought to keep his name hidden after being connected to the High Court trial of Tevita Fangupo, Tevita Kulu and Toni Finau this year.

Former Solicitor-General Michael Heron, QC, is representing the sportsman and argued on his behalf at a closed court hearing in the High Court on May 1, before further arguments were heard on May 27.

However, in a decision after the May trial, Justice Mathew Downs declined the sports star’s bid for permanent name suppression.

The decision was challenged and that was heard in Auckland yesterday.

The Crown and media oppose a permanent gag order.

Justice Patricia Courtney, Justice Geoffrey Venning and Justice Rachel Dunningham of the Court of Appeal have reserved their decision.

Fangupo, Kulu and Finau were convicted on several charges involving the importation and supply of methamphetamine and cocaine, possession of firearms and conspiracy to supply drugs.

They were acquitted on some charges and had earlier admitted firearms offences. With Halane Ikiua they will be sentenced on July 30.

A fifth man, Shane Singh, has been jailed for more than 10 years for importing a class A drug.

Despite the sportsman not being charged, the Crown named him during the trial and alleged he was linked to the offending after social media messages were uncovered.

The Crown also accused the sportsman of taking cash from New Zealand to the United States to buy meth and import it, and a witness also said he saw the sportsman buy “white pills” in 2017.

Heron argued the decision not to charge his client implied there was inadequate evidence to charge. He yesterday said his client “strongly denies the allegations”.

“At no stage was a clear allegation made about what he was said to have done.”