Bell Gully’s Post

AI and Consumer Law – key takeaways from Australian review https://lnkd.in/gGjUe9UH Earlier this week, the Australian Treasury released a discussion paper as part of a wider review into the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on consumer protection legislation. The consultation represents a significant step in how Australia plans to regulate the rapidly growing use of AI technologies in relation to the supply of goods and services. The outcome of the Australian review could also potentially influence the regulatory response to AI in New Zealand, given the close parallels between Australian and New Zealand consumer laws. New Zealand businesses, especially those involved in AI-enabled provision of goods and services, should take note of the potential changes and consider the implications for their current practices and any AI initiatives in development. Richard Massey, Partner Laura Littlewood, Partner James Gibson, Partner Dean Oppenhuis, Partner #Privacy | #DataProtection | #Technology | #CRC | #ConsumerLaw | #NewZealand | #Bellgully

Bell Gully was delighted to host the Privacy Officers Round Table (PORT) for an interactive session exploring the rapid growth of AI and the key related privacy considerations, led by partners Laura Littlewood and Richard Massey. We were joined by a fantastic panel of privacy officers who shared valuable firsthand experiences of leveraging AI within their organisations. Many thanks to Rebecca Holdsworth, One New Zealand for chairing the panel, to our panellists Mazen K., David Quaid, Jane Loveday-Rhodes and Priya Mathur for their valuable contributions, and to everyone who joined us for this insightful and thought-provoking discussion. #NewZealandLaw #PrivacyOfficers #BellGully

Government signals further overseas investment reform to drive growth https://lnkd.in/gbs5q_xK Since the formation of the National, Act and New Zealand First coalition, the Government has continued to signal its intent to liberalise New Zealand’s overseas investment regulation. In June this year, Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour issued a Ministerial Directive to the Overseas Investment Office to speed up consent timeframes and minimise the compliance burden for investors.   Over the weekend, Minister Seymour went further, announcing a review of the underlying legislation to reverse the presumption that investing in New Zealand is a privilege. Rather, the proposed new starting point will be that overseas investment is positive and should be allowed unless it presents a risk to New Zealand’s interests. Andrew Petersen, Partner Glenn Shewan, Partner David Coull, Partner Elena Chang, Special Counsel Chloe Kannangara, Associate Stacey Wanjiku Murage, Legal Professional Elise Bond, Graduate #OverseasInvestment | #CorporateGovernance | #RealEstate | #ResidentialProperty | #Competition | #NewZealand | #BellGully

Bell Gully partner Anna Buchly discusses current drivers for M&A activity with Will Mace in the latest NBR Dealmakers series https://lnkd.in/g79eiE9m Anna talks about which sectors are seeing interest, the outlook for 2025 and the role institutional shareholders may play (paywall). #MergersAndAcquisitions | #Infrastructure | #Technology | #AI | #NewZealand | #BellGully Article source: NBR - National Business Review

Bell Gully restructuring and insolvency partner Tim Fitzgerald, and senior associate Adam Conti spoke about the challenging issue of illegitimate phoenix company activity in RITANZ latest networking session on phoenix companies, held last evening at Bell Gully Auckland. Thank you to those who were able to join us for an insightful session. RITANZ is the professional body for insolvency practitioners in New Zealand. #NewZealandLaw #RITANZ #BellGully

Boosting housing supply – Government to underwrite new residential developments https://lnkd.in/gSPFW92X The New Zealand Government has introduced a new temporary “Residential Development Underwrite” programme designed to help experienced residential housing developers access funding during the current economic downturn by offering a temporary underwrite of private housing developments. The Government is expecting a high level of interest in the programme. Developers can apply now. Karl Anderson, Partner Toni Forrest, Partner Sarah Anderson-Butler, Partner Andrew Petersen, Partner Sonia Ng, Professional Support Lawyer #RealEstate | #ResidentialProperty | #Construction | #Infrastructure | #NewZealand | #BellGully

Infrastructure for Christmas - what’s coming in Q4 2024 https://lnkd.in/gPXUFUHs The New Zealand Government has recently released its Q4 Action Plan, with a clear focus on infrastructure among the 43 actions. As the Government seeks to reshape New Zealand’s infrastructure sector, we are expecting to see a number of key infrastructure developments before the end of 2024. These arise from both the Q4 Action Plan and other Government announcements. Angela Harford, Partner Ian Becke, Partner Natasha Garvan, Partner Sarah Anderson-Butler, Partner Anna Steen, Legal Professional #Infrastructure | #Environment | #Government | #PublicLaw | #Construction | #Energy | #Renewables | #NewZealand | #BellGully

Bell Gully is advising Genesis Energy on its proposed investment for a majority equity stake in ChargeNet, New Zealand’s leading provider of electric vehicle charging solutions and infrastructure. Today Genesis Energy has confirmed it proposes to acquire a 65% stake in ChargeNet for NZ$64 million, which includes a significant investment into the business to fund its near-term growth. This strategic move positions Genesis Energy as a key investor in the growth of the country’s EV market and the energy transition. The Bell Gully team is led by corporate partner Chris Hodges and assisted by associate Asaph Verner. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gZb4SFxa #Corporate | #NewZealand | #BellGully

Major overhaul ahead for New Zealand's building consent system https://lnkd.in/gM8GQkYj The New Zealand Government is proposing a major reform of the building consent system to improve efficiency and consistency in the delivery of building consent services nationwide. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says that the current system, which involves 67 Building Consent Authorities (with varying practices and approaches), is not serving New Zealanders well. As well as reforming that system, the Government also intends to review liability settings across the entire building system. These proposals form part of broader proposed reforms to the New Zealand building system, which currently include changes to the certification processes for overseas building products to boost competition in the New Zealand building supplies sector. Karl Anderson, Partner Toni Forrest, Partner Jane Holland, Partner Andrew Petersen, Partner Sonia Ng, Professional Support Lawyer #RealEstate | #Construction | #Infrastructure | #ResidentialProperty | #Government | #PublicLaw | #NewZealand | #BellGully

Bell Gully employment partner Rosemary Wooders will be presenting at the upcoming HRD New Zealand Employment Law Masterclass on Thursday, 24 October 2024. Rosemary’s session will be on restructures and consultations, what are employer’s obligations? Topics included in her session will be: - The importance of a well-considered change process, and how this can reduce potential claims - How recent cases, including Public Service Association v Secretary of Education, could impact consultations involving collective agreements - Navigating periods of change while upholding an employer’s obligations - Common mistakes and other restructuring do’s and don’ts ⏲ 9.55 am – 10.35am (40 minutes, including Q&A) 📅 Thursday, 24 October 2024 To register: https://lnkd.in/gW9b6zmB Image source: HRD New Zealand #HRDEmploymentLaw | #NewZealand | #BellGully