Basil Walker says the club ''must not be bullied by a legal threat'' in its fight to stay at Queenstown Airport.
He is referring to a letter tabled by the club's lawyer at a public forum before the council's monthly meeting on Tuesday, in which president Adrian Snow said the club had received a letter from Auckland Crown solicitors Meredith Connell ''designed to dissuade'' the club from approaching the council on the matter.
The club was told a month ago its lease would not be renewed when it expires in June, because the airport needs the Lucas Pl site for further expansion.
Queenstown Airport Corporation chief executive Scott Paterson has suggested the club shift its flight training school to Wanaka.
Mayor Vanessa van Uden told councillors during Tuesday's meeting the council had ''very clear advice that we shouldn't get involved'' in the matter.
Mr Walker told the Otago Daily Times it was ''preposterous'' for the council to remain on the sidelines when it was the airport's majority shareholder.
The club had to stay where it was, ''no matter what'', and the council had to work proactively to achieve that instead of hiding behind legal advice.
''When is it unreasonable for the owner of a business, albeit one run by a separate organisation, not to get involved?''Mr Walker, who is standing for the council's vacant Arrowtown ward seat, received a Meredith Connell legal letter in December, after making allegedly defamatory comments at a council public forum.
