Man blocked from legal profession after Dunedin Airport bomb scare
Sunday 11 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated In this story Court of Appeal
Preetam Atua-Azad, formerly known as Preetam Prakash Maid, has been denied entry to the legal profession. Despite obtaining a law degree, the High Court ruled he is not a fit and proper person following a 2019 conviction for taking an imitation explosive device into a secure area of Dunedin Airport.
Key facts
4 facts
- Preetam Atua-Azad was convicted in 2020 of taking an imitation explosive device into Dunedin Airport.
- The original three-year prison sentence was reduced to 17 months by the Court of Appeal.
- Atua-Azad was released from prison in October 2021.
- The High Court blocked his admission to the legal profession.
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
The High Court has blocked Preetam Atua-Azad from joining the legal profession. Atua-Azad, formerly known as Preetam Prakash Maid, was previously jailed for taking an imitation explosive device into a secure area of Dunedin Airport in 2019.
The High Court ruled that Atua-Azad is not a 'fit and proper' person for admission. This decision follows a refusal by the Law Society to grant him a certificate of character. The Law Society's Practice Approval Committee cited concerns regarding his conviction and a 'perceived lack of candour'.
Atua-Azad has maintained his innocence regarding the 2019 incident. The court noted that his denial of responsibility showed a 'significant lack of judgment and insight into his own behaviour'.
Between 2020 and 2024, Atua-Azad studied law at the University of Otago and won the Richard Sutton Memorial Award. He argued to the High Court that a 'single blemish' on his character should not prevent him from becoming a barrister and solicitor.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, RNZ and Otago Daily Times.
How they headlined it
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NZ Herald
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RNZ
Man who took fake bomb into Dunedin Airport blocked from joining legal profession (opens in new tab)
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Otago Daily Times