Artificial Intelligence

We advise on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, helping clients navigate the legal, regulatory and commercial issues arising from rapid technological change.

We support clients across New Zealand and internationally to adopt, deploy and commercialise AI responsibly. Our focus is on governance, risk management and compliance, while enabling innovation and long-term value.

Clients come to us for practical, commercially focused advice on both local and cross-border AI matters.

Expertise

AI transformation, governance and responsible use

We help organisations develop and implement governance frameworks for AI, including policies, controls and decision-making structures that support responsible, sustainable and ethical use.

Procurement and deployment

We advise on the procurement, development, commercialisation and implementation of AI tools and platforms, including vendor negotiations, contracting and ongoing governance.

Regulatory and compliance

We advise on evolving legal and regulatory requirements relevant to AI as well as industry standards and market practice, including privacy (for example, the Biometric Processing Privacy Code 2025), consumer law, ethical considerations, sector-specific obligations and emerging global standards.

Data and AI

We advise on the use of data in AI systems, including data sourcing, ownership, rights, licensing and training considerations, as well as data protection and security.

Risk, liability and disputes

We help clients identify and manage legal and commercial risks arising from AI, including liability, contractual risk allocation, regulatory investigations and disputes.

M&A

We advise on AI considerations relevant to M&A activity, including sell-side considerations applicable to the sales process, as well as AI risks and considerations for buy-side organisations arising out of diligence and transaction documents.

Emerging technology

We also advise on adjacent technologies, where relevant to AI, including quantum computing, the Internet of Things, blockchain and other digital platforms.

Experience

Our recent experience includes:

Advising a large, listed entity on the nation-wide roll out of AI-enabled automated biometrics processing technology, including Biometric Processing Code 2025 compliance advice.
Assisting a public sector entity, a large, listed entity and numerous other clients on the preparation of internal policies and procedures in connection with their internal AI governance and risk management programmes.
Advising a large, listed entity in connection with the preparation of external policies and controls applicable to their suppliers' use of AI in the provision of services.
Supporting clients on the development of their AI strategy.
Advising one of New Zealand's largest companies on the development of standardised AI terms for different contract types and the negotiation of those terms in various applications.
Advising a large, listed entity on the ethical and reputational risks arising from a particular instance of AI use in a $100 million IT procurement project.
Advising a range of clients, including several large and listed entities, regarding the procurement of AI-enabled digital products and services.
Supporting a large, listed IT services supplier on the development of policy in relation to the supply of AI-enabled services to its customers.
Advising numerous sell-side clients in relation to the use of AI by potential bidders in relation to their data.
Assisting several buy-side clients on the AI aspects of M&A transactions.

Working with us

We bring together specialists across corporate, commercial, privacy, intellectual property, ESG, competition, public law, tax and disputes to provide integrated advice on AI-related issues.

For broader technology sourcing, infrastructure and digital transformation matters, see our Technology & Digital page.