MinterEllisonRuddWatts

MinterEllisonRuddWatts
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Welcome to the MinterEllisonRuddWatts' podcast library. Here you will hear from some of New Zealand’s leading lawyers on the latest trends, topics and issues impacting New Zealand businesses today. 

  1. 1d ago

    Tech Suite | Reconnaissance first: Setting tech transformation projects up for success

    Send us your feedback In this episode, Partner Tom Maasland and Special Counsel Sonya Forbes from our Technology team discuss how to set technology transformation projects up for success from the outset. Drawing on lessons from major New Zealand public sector technology transformation projects, they explore the practical, commercial and legal steps organisations can take to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of cost overruns, delays and disputes. [01:12] Sonya discusses the recent Immigration New Zealand's Biometric Capability Update (BCU) project and how it illustrates the challenges of large-scale technology transformations. Sonya and Tom then discuss incentive misalignment, where organisations rush to start projects to save time and money, often creating the conditions for greater delays, costs and failures further down the track. [03:19] Tom and Sonya examine lessons from major New Zealand public sector technology transformation projects, including the Ministry of Education’s NovaPay payroll system, the Department of Corrections' rostering system for prisons, Immigration New Zealand’s BCU project and the Inland Revenue Department's successful business transformation. Through these examples they explain how the project outcomes are often ultimately shaped by decisions made well before implementation begins.  [05:28] Sonya discusses the importance of leverage and timing when negotiating with suppliers. She explains why competitive tension in the procurement processes, market testing and preserving negotiating leverage are critical, and cautions against rushing contracts to meet arbitrary deadlines or leaving key issues to be resolved later. [08:01] Tom and Sonya explore the importance of aligning business requirements with the chosen technology solution through key three pillars; consultation, discovery and validation. In terms of consultation, Sonya highlights how poorly defined requirements, limited stakeholder engagement and inadequate resourcing can lead to costly customisation and change requests. [12:05] Sonya explains the role of discovery exercises, supplier due diligence and validation gates in ensuring a solution is fit for purpose. She outlines why organisations should assess product suitability early, identify gaps, retain contractual off-ramps and undertake rigorous testing and supplier due diligence before moving into implementation or production. [18:12] Lastly, they consider some key legal mechanisms that should be built into technology contracts, including warranties for supplier representations. Using the Chief Executive of the Department of Corrections v Fujitsu New Zealand Limited [2023] NZHC case as an example, they reinforce the value of upfront planning and due diligence in avoiding costly disputes and project failures, whether in the public or private sector. Information in this episode is accurate as at the date of recording, 19 August 2026. Please contact Tom Maasland, Sonya Forbes or our Technology team if you need legal advice and guidance on any of the topics discussed in the episode. And don’t forget to rate, review or follow MinterEllisonRuddWatts wherever you get your podcasts. You can also email us directly at techsuite@minterellison.co.nz and sign up to receive technology updates via your inbox here. Additional resources  Tech Suite | Managing troubled tech projects Review of the Biometrics Projects (Biometric capability update, BCCU and IPE projects) – April 2026 Transforming Inland Revenue Report – June 2022 Report of the Ministerial Inquiry into the Novopay – June 2013 Department of Corrections case – Chief Executive of the Department of Corrections v Fujitsu New Zealand Limited & Anor [2023] NZHC 3598 For show notes and additional resources visit minterellison.co.nz/podcasts

    Tech Suite | Reconnaissance first: Setting tech transformation projects up for success

  2. Sep 1

    Tech Suite | Beyond data centres: New Zealand's digital infrastructure opportunity

    Send us your feedback In this follow-on episode, Technology Partner Tom Maasland and Senior Associate Jess Bremner from our Corporate and Commercial team revisit their August 2025 discussion on New Zealand's data centre opportunity. Drawing on insights from the recent Data Centre Leaders’ Summit, they explore how the conversation has shifted from identifying New Zealand's competitive advantages to considering how the country might realise its potential as a digital infrastructure hub, and the possible economic, infrastructure and societal benefits for future generations. [00:20] Jess explains how the conversation has shifted significantly over the past year. Rather than debating whether New Zealand is an attractive destination for digital infrastructure investment, the focus is now on how the country might respond to growing AI-driven demand while supporting productivity, resilience, connectivity and economic development. [02:32] Tom and Jess discuss why social licence emerged as a major theme at the New Zealand Data Centre Leaders Summit, highlighting the need for greater public understanding of societies reliance on data centres, transparency around power, water and land use, and the importance of demonstrating clear community benefits through jobs, investment and broader economic outcomes. [03:54] Jess discusses some common concerns regarding data centre resource consumption and job creation. She notes that modern facilities are becoming increasingly efficient, that New Zealand's climate may provide certain operational advantages, and that while permanent employment numbers may be lower than in some traditional industries, data centres can create specialist operational roles and significant construction-related employment. [05:27] Tom and Jess then discuss the growing importance of data centres as critical infrastructure underpinning modern economies, as well as the role of digital resilience as countries become increasingly dependent on technology and infrastructure beyond their borders. [07:00] They consider how the broader opportunity may extend beyond the facilities themselves, with data centre investment potentially supporting renewable energy generation, infrastructure and connectivity improvements, regional development and workforce capability. [08:38] Lastly, Jess reflects on the investment and digital infrastructure opportunities, as well as the increasingly sophisticated partnerships emerging across the sector. She discusses how collaboration between developers, energy providers, investors, technology companies and iwi may support the development of New Zealand's digital infrastructure while contributing to regional growth and digital resilience. Information in this episode is accurate as at the date of recording, 26 August 2026. Please contact Tom Maasland, Jess Bremner or our Technology team if you need legal advice and guidance on any of the topics discussed in the episode. And don’t forget to rate, review or follow MinterEllisonRuddWatts wherever you get your podcasts. You can also email us directly at techsuite@minterellison.co.nz and sign up to receive technology updates via your inbox here. Additional resources Tech Suite | New Zealand as the next data centre frontier From potential to progress: How can New Zealand realise its data centre opportunity? Data Centre Leaders Summit New Zealand | 12th August 2026 For show notes and additional resources visit minterellison.co.nz/podcasts

    Tech Suite | Beyond data centres: New Zealand's digital infrastructure opportunity

  3. Aug 31

    AI in Litigation: Practical issues for New Zealand lawyers

    Send us your feedback In this episode, Senior Associates Alex Church and Oliver Sutton discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming litigation practice. They explore emerging disclosure requirements, the risks associated with AI-generated content, the growing prevalence of deepfakes, and the practical ways AI is improving efficiency for lawyers, courts and businesses. [00:05] Alex and Oliver introduce the key developments shaping AI's role in litigation. They discuss emerging disclosure obligations in New Zealand and overseas, recent court guidance, and why businesses should be paying close attention to changing expectations around AI governance and accountability. [05:06] The discussion turns to the growing use of AI by self-represented litigants and the challenges this creates for courts and opposing parties. They include several New Zealand cases involving fabricated authorities and hallucinated case law, along with the Supreme Court's warning that misuse of AI in legal proceedings can have serious consequences. [07:58] Alex and Oliver review recent overseas cases where lawyers have faced fines, disciplinary action and even disqualification for relying on AI-generated content without proper verification. They emphasise that responsibility extends beyond junior lawyers to supervising practitioners and law firms as a whole. [12:05] Oliver highlights how AI-generated evidence and the increasing risk posed by deepfakes in both commercial and personal disputes. Exploring examples from New Zealand and overseas and explain why authentication and verification of electronic evidence are becoming critical components of dispute resolution. [14:24]  Alex and Oliver highlight the significant efficiencies AI can deliver when used appropriately. They discuss applications including document review, case assessment, disclosure analysis, legal strategy testing and improving access to justice, all while stressing the importance of human oversight and professional judgment. [17:27] They share three practical recommendations: stay informed about developing disclosure requirements, take deepfake risks seriously through strong governance and verification processes, and embrace AI where it meaningfully improves efficiency and outcomes. The overarching message is clear: AI is a powerful tool, but accountability remains with the user.   Information in this episode is accurate as at the date of recording, 3 August 2026.   Please contact Alex Church, Oliver Sutton or our Litigation team if you need any legal advice and guidance on any of the topics discussed in the episode.  And don’t forget to rate, review or follow MinterEllisonRuddWatts wherever you get your podcasts. You can also email us directly at website.enquiries@minterellison.co.nz and sign up to receive litigation updates via your inbox here.  For show notes and additional resources visit minterellison.co.nz/podcasts

  4. Aug 30

    Unpacking the Employment Leave Act

    Send us your feedback In this episode, employment partners Gillian Service and Megan Evans revisit their earlier discussion on the proposed reforms and compare those expectations against the final legislation. They unpack what has changed, what has stayed the same, and the practical steps employers should be taking now to prepare for implementation. [00:30] Gillian and Megan reflect on their previous discussion about the proposed reforms and explain that most of the anticipated changes have made their way into the final Act. They recap the key themes from the earlier Bill and identify the refinements introduced during the legislative process. [02:03] Megan explains the shift from weeks-based annual leave to an hours-based accrual system. The pair discuss the increased flexibility for employees, the treatment of accrued leave balances during transition, and the ability for employees to cash out up to 25% of their annual leave balance each year. [06:11] Gillian outlines how sick leave will accrue from day one of employment and be measured in hours rather than days. They discuss the implications for part-time employees, fixed-term workers and employees with multiple jobs, noting that while the overall entitlement remains broadly the same, the way it is calculated will change significantly. [08:39] Gillian discusses the removal of six-month qualifying periods for bereavement leave and family violence leave. These entitlements will now be available from the start of employment, including for casual and fixed-term employees. [09:10] Gillian and Megan examine the new public holiday framework and the revised "otherwise working day" test, including the use of a 13-week look-back period. They explain how the final legislation addresses concerns raised during the select committee process and why employers should review employment agreements and work patterns regularly. [13:42] The discussion turns to employees who hold multiple roles with the same employer and the introduction of the notional roster concept. Megan explains how notional rosters will be used to calculate leave entitlements where working patterns are not clearly defined in employment agreements. [16:36] Gillian highlights one of the major objectives of the reforms: simplifying leave payments. The pair discuss the move away from multiple Holidays Act calculations to a single hourly leave rate, the treatment of allowances, and the introduction of mandatory pay statements. [19:50] Megan explains how the new Leave Compensation Payment regime will operate. They discuss the 12.5% payment applicable to additional and casual hours, why time off in lieu cannot be used as a substitute, and the payroll implications for employers. [21:31] Gillian and Megan clarify the difference between standard hours, additional hours and casual hours under the Act. They emphasise that correctly categorising hours will be critical because leave entitlements and Leave Compensation Payments are calculated differently for each category. [24:08] The two-year transition period is examined in detail. The pair discuss when the legislation will take effect, the interaction between employment agreements and the new minimum standards, and the risks of delaying preparation for implementation. [28:07] Gillian summarises the conversation by identifying four practical priorities for employers: understanding workforce data, engaging with payroll providers early, preparing employee communications, and continuing Holidays Act remediation work. Gillian emphasises that organisations that begin preparing now will be better positioned for a smooth transition to the new regime. Resources Unpacking the Holidays Act Reform Information in this episode is correct as at the date of recording, Wednesday, 19 2026.   Please contact Gillian Service, Megan Evans or our Employment law team if you need any legal advice and guidance on any of the topics discussed in this episode. And don’t forget to rate, review or follow MinterEllisonRuddWatts wherever you get your podcasts. You can also email us directly at website.enquiries@minterellison.co.nz and sign up to receive Employment law updates via your inbox here. For show notes and additional resources visit minterellison.co.nz/podcasts

  5. Aug 19

    Level Playing Field | Inside New Zealand's Major Events regime: Part one

    Send us your feedback In this episode of Level Playing Field, Sports Law Partner Richard Wells, and Senior Associate Sarah Redding discuss New Zealand's major events framework and the legislation that underpins the hosting of international sporting events. They explore the purpose and operation of the Major Events Management Act 2007 (MEMA), the process for declaring an event a "major event", and the legal protections that come with that designation. Richard and Sarah also look back at some of the major sporting events New Zealand has hosted over the last two decades and unpack how these events are funded, managed and supported by government investment. [00:05] Sarah and Richard introduce the concept of major events in New Zealand sport and explain why the government introduced specific legislation ahead of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. They discuss how MEMA was designed to protect sponsors, broadcasters and event organisers by providing legal tools to combat ambush marketing, ticket scalping and other commercial risks. [03:23] Richard explains the process for declaring an event a major event under MEMA. He outlines the role of MBIE, the Minister and the Governor-General, and discusses the factors considered when determining whether an event warrants special legal protections. [05:37] Richard and Sarah reflect on the wide range of major events New Zealand has hosted since MEMA came into force, from age-group world championships through to Rugby World Cups, Cricket World Cups, the FIFA Women's World Cup and the rise of major women's sporting events. [08:20] The discussion turns to the protections available once an event has been designated a major event. Richard explains key features of the legislation, including restrictions on ambush marketing, clean zones, ticket scalping protections and measures designed to protect the commercial integrity of major events. [11:56] Sarah and Richard discuss the commercial realities of hosting major events, including sponsorship, broadcasting rights and government investment. They explore how the economic, social and infrastructure benefits of hosting major events are weighed against the costs involved. [13:49] Richard outlines the Major Events Fund and explains how its eligibility criteria differ from the legal designation process under MEMA. He discusses the government's focus on international profile, visitation, economic outcomes and alignment with broader strategic objectives. [16:10] Richard and Sarah examine the additional considerations for sport-specific funding, including athlete development pathways, high-performance sport priorities and participation outcomes. They discuss the positive impact major women's sporting events have had on the profile and accessibility of sport in New Zealand. [17:37] Richard explains the reporting obligations that accompany government funding and the importance of leverage and legacy planning. He highlights the government's expectation that major events deliver long-term benefits through infrastructure, participation growth, capability development and enduring community outcomes. [19:28] Looking ahead to the next episode, Sarah and Richard preview the commercial and governance structures behind major events, including local organising committees, funding arrangements, stakeholder involvement and the agreements that sit behind successful event delivery. Information in this episode is correct as at the date of recording, Wednesday, 5 August 2026. Please contact Richard Wells, Sarah Redding or our Sports law team if you need any legal advice and guidance on any of the topics discussed in this episode. And don’t forget to rate, review or follow MinterEllisonRuddWatts wherever you get your podcasts. You can also email us directly at website.enquiries@minterellison.co.nz and sign up to receive Sports law updates via your inbox here. For show notes and additional resources visit minterellison.co.nz/podcasts

  6. Jul 26

    Tech Suite | AI, data and disclosure: Is your privacy policy keeping up?

    Send us your feedback In this episode, privacy law specialists Richard Wells and Suzy McMillan discuss practical steps organisations can take to ensure their privacy policies remain fit for purpose in the face of growing AI use. [01:21] Richard asks how the Privacy Act 2020 framework, and in particular Information Privacy Principle (IPP) 3, applies when organisations use AI. Suzy explains that the key starting point is determining whether AI is actually being used to process personal information, as this will trigger privacy obligations pursuant to the Act. [03:06] Richard and Suzy discuss whether different types of AI require different levels of disclosure, noting that low-risk productivity tools generally impose a lesser disclosure burden than AI used for decision-making, eligibility assessments, or credit scoring purposes. [04:42] Suzy and Richard talk through the practical information organisations should include in their privacy policies, including acknowledging the use of AI and explaining its purpose in plain language, clarifying who processes the personal data, and being transparent about whether data may be used to train or improve AI models. [06:37] They then consider the AI guidance from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) and the important role Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) play in ensuring privacy policies accurately reflect how AI tools process personal information. [08:49] Suzy talks through the privacy implications of AI model training and secondary use of personal information, highlighting the importance of reviewing vendor contracts to ensure any AI providers' data practices align with an organisations privacy policy. [11:42] Richard and Suzy close out the episode by considering what good AI disclosure should look like in practice and the key steps organisations should undertake to bring their privacy policy up to standard, including conducting thorough PIAs, reviewing vendor terms, ensuring compliance against IPP 3, and training staff on the appropriate use of AI tools. Information in this episode is accurate as at the date of recording, 3 July 2026. Please contact Richard Wells, Suzy McMillan or our Technology team if you need legal advice and guidance on any of the topics discussed in the episode. And don’t forget to rate, review or follow MinterEllisonRuddWatts wherever you get your podcasts. You can also email us directly at techsuite@minterellison.co.nz and sign up to receive technology updates via your inbox here. Additional resources  Privacy Act 2020 Biometrics Processing Privacy Code 2025 Tech Suite | How to comply with IPP12: Cross border disclosures of personal information AI-and-the-Information-Privacy-Principles (September 2023) | Office of the Privacy Commissioner.pdf Does the Office of the Privacy Commissioner approve or endorse Artificial Intelligence providers? (November 2025) | Office of the Privacy Commissioner For show notes and additional resources visit minterellison.co.nz/podcasts

    Tech Suite | AI, data and disclosure: Is your privacy policy keeping up?

  7. Jul 21

    Level Playing Field | Sponsorship agreements in Sport: Key terms, common pitfalls, and what to get right

    Send us your feedback In this episode of Level Playing Field, Sports law Partner Richard Wells, and Senior Associate Sarah Redding, discuss sponsorship agreements in New Zealand sport. They explore the key elements of sponsorship arrangements, common areas of legal risk, and practical considerations for both rights holders and sponsors when negotiating, managing and enforcing sponsorship relationships. Their discussion highlights the importance of clear drafting, aligned expectations and strong relationship management in maximising the value of sponsorship partnerships. [00:05] Richard and Sarah introduce sponsorship agreements and outline their role in governing the commercial relationship between sports organisations and sponsors. They discuss the importance of clearly defining sponsorship rights and balancing certainty with flexibility when delivering sponsorship benefits. [04:33] Sarah begins by talking about exclusivity, sponsorship categories and commercial value and explain why carefully defining exclusivity rights, sponsorship fees, payment structures and contract terms is critical to avoiding disputes and protecting revenue opportunities. [07:20] They discuss the common causes of sponsorship disputes, particularly vague drafting and informal arrangements that develop over long-term relationships. This highlights the risks that arise when commercial understandings are not fully reflected in written agreements. [10:43] Richard and Sarah explore athlete obligations, intellectual property rights and branding considerations, and discuss the importance of aligning sponsorship commitments with athlete agreements, as well as ensuring IP licences, approval processes and exclusivity provisions are clearly documented. [13:28] Richard and Sarah share practical guidance on dispute resolution in sponsorship relationships. They discuss the benefits of escalation procedures, preserving commercial relationships where possible, and ensuring governing law and dispute resolution provisions are carefully considered, particularly where overseas sponsors are involved. [15:58] The discussion concludes on renewal rights, confidentiality obligations and relationship management. Richard and Sarah emphasise the value of detailed agreements, active contract management and ensuring both parties clearly understand the rights and obligations they are committing to throughout the sponsorship term. Information in this episode is correct as at the date of recording, July 1 2026. Please contact Richard Wells, Sarah Redding or our Sports law team if you need any legal advice and guidance on any of the topics discussed in this episode. And don’t forget to rate, review or follow MinterEllisonRuddWatts wherever you get your podcasts. You can also email us directly at website.enquiries@minterellison.co.nz and sign up to receive Sports law updates via your inbox here. For show notes and additional resources visit minterellison.co.nz/podcasts

  8. Jun 26

    Election 2026 | Government decision-making in an election year

    Send us your feedback In this episode of Election 2026, MinterEllisonRuddWatts Senior Associate Mark Calderwood is joined by Partner and Public law lead Briony Davies and Special Counsel Daniel Fielding. They explore how government decision‑making is shaped during an election year, focusing on the pre‑election period of restraint and the post‑election Caretaker Convention. The discussion highlights why these conventions matter for those engaging with government, and outlines the practical implications for policy development, legislative activity, and public sector decision‑making. [00:05] Mark introduces the episode and its focus on election‑year constraints on government decision‑making. Briony outlines the practical importance of the topic, noting strong client interest in how these conventions affect engagement with government across sectors. [02:10] Daniel explains the key structural changes during an election year, including reduced Cabinet decision‑making capacity before the election and the operation of the Caretaker Convention afterwards. He emphasises the need for early planning to progress matters ahead of these constraints. [04:11] Briony discusses the pre‑election “period of restraint”, clarifying that while governments retain full authority, they typically limit significant decisions. Practical examples illustrate how this convention operates, particularly in relation to appointments. [06:12] Daniel outlines the Caretaker Convention following an election, including its two forms depending on whether the outcome is clear. He explains the expectation that outgoing governments avoid major decisions and, where necessary, act on the advice of the incoming administration. [08:21] They discuss situations where election outcomes are uncertain. Daniel describes the need to defer or manage significant decisions cautiously, while Briony explains how the convention influences public sector conduct and requires careful judgment across agencies. [10:09] Briony outlines how ministers approach decision‑making during the caretaker period, often seeking guidance or exercising caution. Daniel adds that Official Information Act processes continue as usual, subject to limited exceptions where consultation may be required. [13:42] Briony explains how parliamentary processes change in an election year, including reduced sitting time, constrained legislative opportunities, and shorter consultation windows. She notes the resulting pressure on the legislative programme. [15:01] Daniel provides practical guidance for engaging with the legislative process during this period, emphasising the importance of early preparation, monitoring of bills, and developing clear policy positions to respond within tighter timeframes. [16:54] The hosts discuss with practical strategies for influencing outcomes late in the parliamentary cycle, including seeking cross‑party support and focusing on regulatory or secondary legislative changes where possible, given limited capacity for new policy development.  Information in this podcast is correct as at the date of recording, 9 June 2026. Please contact Briony Davies, Daniel Fielding, Mark Calderwood or our Public Law team, if you need legal advice and guidance on any of the topics discussed in this episode. Don’t forget to rate, review or follow MinterEllisonRuddWatts wherever you get your podcasts. You can also email us directly at website.enquiries@minterellison.co.nz and sign up wot receive election updates via your inbox here.  For show notes and additional resources visit minterellison.co.nz/podcasts For show notes and additional resources visit minterellison.co.nz/podcasts For show notes and additional resources visit minterellison.co.nz/podcasts

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About

Welcome to the MinterEllisonRuddWatts' podcast library. Here you will hear from some of New Zealand’s leading lawyers on the latest trends, topics and issues impacting New Zealand businesses today. 

Information

  • Creator
    MinterEllisonRuddWatts
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    132
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 MinterEllisonRuddWatts
  • Show Website
    MinterEllisonRuddWatts

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