Bell Gully’s Auckland-based team handles the full spectrum of data protection and privacy work, from compliance advisory to management of data breaches, disputes and responses to ransomware attacks. Team co-head Laura Littlewood is a tech partner; her portfolio of work includes advising on major ICT procurements and on the regulatory aspects of data protection and security matters. Fellow co-head Tania Goatley is a seasoned litigator who is well-placed to advise on the Privacy Act 1993. At associate level, Kristin Wilson frequently handles cases concerning the improper sharing of confidential or personal information with third parties. Regulatory specialist Richard Massey frequently provides advice on product development, whilst Sarah Brougham assists with responses to requests for information under the Privacy Act.

Notable areas of recent activity for Buddle Findlay’s data protection and privacy team include advising on data protection and cyber security issues in tech and commercial services agreements; assessing and responding to cyber and privacy breaches; honing clients’ internal privacy; as well as advising on related risk policies and practices. Auckland-based Allan Yeoman who is well-placed to advise tech start-ups on privacy issues and data collection, co-leads the practice alongside Amy Ryburn, whose Wellington-based practice includes advising on issues relating to the transfer of data offshore. Also in Wellington, Renee Stiles specialises in drafting and negotiating complex ICT and outsourcing contracts, while senior associate Alexandra Chapman has a proven track-record advising on data protection issues in both New Zealand and the UK. In Auckland, special counsels Keri Johansson and Catherine Miller are further names to note.

Banks, insurers and government agencies turn to Russell McVeagh for assistance with matters ranging from establishing data protection strategies and frameworks across various platforms, to those including data breach management. The team also advises clients on GDPR and regulatory compliance. The unit is additionally handling a growing number of litigation cases concerning injunctions used to protect data. A trio of partners head up the team, being Auckland-based commercial litigator Joe Edwards who has a proven track record handling high-profile privacy, data and confidential information cases; tech specialist Liz Blythe who has longstanding experience advising on privacy and data protection law considerations; and Wellington-based practitioner Mei Fern Johnson who is well-placed to advise on IT outsourcing arrangements. Special counsel Louise Taylor has a focus on tech contracts and operates from the firm’s Auckland office.

Trading banks, tech companies and household name brands are among the clients who trust the ‘vastly experienced practitioners’ at Dentons New Zealand with mandates ranging from advising on the implications of New Zealand e-commerce regulations, to advising on compliance with privacy laws and regulatory frameworks such as BS11. Campbell Featherstone and Hayden Wilson oversee matters from the firm’s Wellington office. Featherstone frequently works at the nexus between health information and data privacy, whilst Wilson is a key contact for privacy breach responses. The third co-head Hayley Miller applies her trade in Auckland and is well-placed to advise clients on their use of big data.

DLA Piper New Zealand‘s team is increasingly mandated to design customer-facing data protection policies. It is also well-versed in advising on enforcement, government contracting, and SEC disclosure issues. Auckland-based practice head Nick Valentine is regularly called upon to advise on data privacy aspects of tech transactions. Also in the Auckland office, senior associate Edward Eisdell-Moore is involved in GDPR matters, particularly assisting New Zealand businesses on their application of GDPR.

Described as ‘one of the leading data protection law firms in New Zealand’, Hudson Gavin Martin‘s Auckland-based team leverages its tech, media and IP expertise to advise on an array of related data protection matters. Practice head Simon Martin frequently assists corporate clients looking to enter New Zealand on data privacy compliance therein. Edwin Lim is frequently called upon to advise M&A investors on the data protection and privacy policies of target companies. Anchali Anandanayagam is described as ‘a fantastic privacy and data protection lawyer at the cutting edge of this area in New Zealand’.

Privacy and data protection issues handled by MinterEllisonRuddWatts include advising its client roster on handling regulators; advising on privacy risks associated with emerging tech such as AI; and representing clients in privacy disputes before the Human Rights Review Tribunal. Wellington-based co-head Briony Davies frequently acts for clients in privacy complaints and disputes. In Auckland, fellow co-head Richard Wells, praised for his ‘calmness and frankness’, has a proven track record assisting clients in their management of high-profile data breaches. Also in Auckland, June Hardacre and senior associate Suzy McMillan are key contacts.