Prominent leader's son given interim name suppression

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A teenager described as the son of a prominent leader in this country has been given interim name suppression over a drink-driving charge.

Lawyer Paul Wicks convinced the Auckland District Court that revealing the young man's identity would mean extreme consequences for his father.

Media law expert Ursula Cheer of Canterbury University said Mr Wicks would have had to present good reasons for the suppression.

"You can't just stand up and say 'I say there's going to be extreme circumstances', you've got to explain what they are a bit."

Ms Cheer pointed out that interim orders are just that, and suppression could be lifted.

"The lawyers are taking it fairly highly but whether or not the court actually accepts...it will be for the court to decide that."

Changes to name suppression laws came into effect last year making it more difficult for prominent people to maintain anonymity just because of their standing in the community.