Dr Dean Knight, a law professor at Victoria University, told RNZ there is no indication the government could justify stepping in to Wellington City Council's governance, and any attempts to do so could set a dangerous precedent for democracy.

The Government has set its sights on sorting out Wellington City Council. Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has requested advice on potential interventions at Wellington City Council following a vote last week by the council to stop the controversial sale of its 34% share in the airport.

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