The data protection team at Bell Gully advises a range of clients on front-end risk mitigation, including breach response plans, simulations, and training, as well as internal and cyber insurance policies. The group is also noted for its advice to charities, often on a pro bono basis, assisting with a variety of technology and data projects. Furthermore, as AI becomes more prevalent, the team is increasingly instructed on issues related to AI ownership, biometrics, and intellectual property rights. Tania Goatley and Laura Littlewood head the team, with specialisms in technology, data privacy, and cybersecurity issues. Richard Massey is noted for his specific expertise in responding to data and privacy breaches.

Buddle Findlay‘s data protection and privacy team handles a range of matters throughout the practice area. The team has notably increased its engagements with executive boards concerning data protection, cybersecurity, and privacy, alongside growing areas such as data governance and AI. As cyber and data security breaches continue to become more prevalent, the team supports clients in relation to immediate incident response plans through to the implementation of remedial safeguards. The team benefits from the joint leadership of Allan Yeoman and Amy Ryburn, and further includes Keri Johansson, who focuses on data collection, data matching, and transfer, alongside Alexandra Chapman, who provides extensive experience in complicated data protection issues.

The data protection and privacy team at MinterEllisonRuddWatts demonstrates a broad and deep knowledge of privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity issues. The group is regularly involved in mitigating risks from major data breaches, drafting privacy policies, and advising on data sharing agreements. Richard Wells spearheads the practice, with significant expertise in all areas of privacy and data protection law. Furthermore, June Hardacre advises both public and private sector clients on employee privacy matters, as well as demonstrating expertise in contentious Privacy Act matters. Suzy McMillan brings a wealth of experience representing clients in the technology, media, health, and pharmaceutical sectors in both privacy law and wider technology matters.

Russell McVeagh‘s data protection team acts on a variety of matters, including litigation, as well as commercial and cybersecurity matters, for a range of domestic and international clients. The team is particularly noted for its handling of data protection law and commercial matters, including data and privacy breaches, as well as emerging and new technologies. The practice benefits from a large leadership team, with Liz Blythe and Mei Fern Johnson heading the technology practice and Joe Edwards heading the media and marketing team, specialising in defamation, privacy law, and intellectual property matters. Louise Taylor provides key support in this area.

Dentons New Zealand‘s data protection and cybersecurity team has a deep and broad understanding of all issues affecting the innovation and technology sector, with expertise in privacy, consumer protection, censorship, and harmful digital communications law. The team is particularly noted for its experience in the public sector, and work handled for local government agencies, on matters concerning cloud technology, big data, and data sovereignty. Hayley Miller heads the team with a particular focus on eCommerce, cloud technology, and the banking sector. Further, Campbell Featherstone focuses on privacy and data protection, procurement, and health information, while Hayden Wilson is noted for his advice to clients in response to privacy breaches, access requests, as well as complaints and investigations.

The technology and data team at DLA Piper New Zealand demonstrates strength in key areas such as data protection and cybersecurity matters, AI implementation and governance, data commercialisation, as well as building cyber-resilience and responding to cyberattacks. With a client base that spans major corporations across various industries, including data-intensive enterprises and highly regulated sectors, the team is well-positioned to advise clients on a range of matters. Nick Valentine heads the practice, with a practice that focuses on data protection and cybersecurity law. Edward Eisdell-Moore provides key support in this area.

Hudson Gavin Martin specialises in technology, media, and IP matters. The data protection offering at the firm is focused on disruptive technologies and businesses, with expertise across various sectors, including telecoms, fintech, digital health, and e-commerce. The team is regularly engaged by both providers and users of technology and data solutions for its in-depth understanding and expertise throughout the market. Simon Martin heads the practice and brings expertise in commercialising data, while Edwin Lim is noted for his work in cyber-risk matters.

The privacy and data team at Simpson Grierson operates across all areas of the market, providing advice on the full spectrum of data-related legal issues, from regulatory compliance to response to cyberattacks and ransomware demands. The firm demonstrates particular strengths in crisis management, managing data breaches, and litigation arising out of cybersecurity and data disputes. Karen Ngan co-heads the practice, with a focus on working with users and suppliers in the technology sector, alongside Jania Baigent, who has extensive experience in media and information law. The team further included Sally McKechnie, who is noted for her strength in advising clients on privacy issues, and Anita Birkinshaw, who regularly handles matters related to data breaches.