Hold That Thought Dentons

In the latest episode of Hold That Thought, Katrina Van Houtte, Dentons Partner specialising in Major Projects and Construction, dives deep into the heart of New Zealand's infrastructure challenges, exploring the hurdles faced in having a secure pipeline, prioritisation, and the timely execution of critical projects. Katrina is joined by Aurecon New Zealand’s Managing Director Tracey Ryan and Fulton Hogan CEO’s Ben Hayward, they discuss:
·        The impact that constant changing of infrastructure policy and priorities have on the sector
·        Opportunities to de-politicise infrastructure development
·        How the current budget addresses infrastructure investments
·        Decarbonising infrastructure delivery and how New Zealand can best respond.

With its rapid global popularity, ChatGPT has sparked both enthusiasm and concern, prompting crucial conversations about its potential applications, and the ethical considerations it raises. Join us as we explore the multifaceted landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI), unravelling its unprecedented capabilities and the practical considerations that come with its use. Dentons Partner Campbell Featherstone talks to Founder and Board Director at AcademyEX Frances Valintine, and Head of Dentons' Data Privacy and Cybersecurity UK Ireland, Middle East Simon Elliott.
In this episode, they discuss:
How AI has revolutionised productivity in various industries including the legal profession. How organisations can go about exploring the market for AI tools that suit their needs. The intricate privacy risks and terms of use governing AI technologies. Other regulatory concerns, including what we are seeing in Europe with the EU AI Act, and what we may see on a global basis and closer to home in New Zealand as regulators look to regulate AI.The role that directors and business leaders play in fostering a culture of responsible AI usage within their organisations.

In collaboration with the Institute of Directors New Zealand, in this episode we talk about the spread of misinformation and disinformation that has affected our ability to improve public health, address climate change, maintain a stable democracy, and more.

Directors are increasingly expected to pay attention and act on foreseeable risks. Without a crystal ball, how do directors and boards do this? When change does come, and it will, how do you respond? Even a well-prepared board will face challenges it did not expect.

Private data protection is a significant focus internationally. We have already seen significant privacy breaches around the world and here in New Zealand. How can business leaders prepare for the inevitable breach of their defences?

In this episode, Dentons Partner Linda Clark asks the question - is ESG really just a bit of corporate fluff to placate the chorus of climate change advocates? Environmental, social, and governance seems to be everywhere but is it, or does it have the potential to be, an agent for change?