Karen is a senior commercial lawyer specialising in advising clients on technology, telecommunications and data protection matters. 

She advises both suppliers and customers on a wide range of technology and telecommunications matters. On large-scale technology projects she often advises on procurement strategy and processes, as well as negotiating and documenting such arrangements.

Many of the projects Karen has advised on involve the supply / procurement of business critical technology solutions or infrastructure, and arrangements for core services (including under 'as a service', managed services and outsourcing arrangements). Often these are undertaken as part of major business transformation programmes, and a number undertaken using agile project methodologies.

Karen also regularly advises on emerging technologies, often in advising on the development and deployment of new technology based products and services.

As one of our key data protection and privacy lawyers Karen provides expert guidance to local and multi-national clients on a wide spectrum of data protection and privacy matters. This covers advice on practices relating to the collection and use of personal information, database and information management, cloud and outsourcing arrangements (including the cross-border transfer of data), and assisting clients with in-depth data audits and the development of manuals, policies and training for good data management practices.

Karen works closely with clients to ensure that they receive practical commercial advice that addresses their needs and expectations. Often this involves being able to distil what is needed to comply with complex regulatory requirements in a way that makes sense for the relevant client’s business.

Karen is on the Executive Council of Digital Identity New Zealand, a trustee of the New Zealand Law Foundation and sits on the Board of New Zealand Asian Lawyers. 

She is also a member (and past Knowledge Net Chair) of the International Association of Privacy Professionals and a regular contributor to the Asia Pacific News Section of Computers and Telecommunications Law Review (Sweet and Maxwell).

Chambers Asia-Pacific 2024
Technology, Media & Telecommunications

Leading Lawyer

Asia Pacific Legal 500 2024
Technology, Media & Telecommunications

Leading Lawyer

The International Who's Who Legal 2023
Data

National Leader

Women in Business Law Expert Guide 2022
Privacy and Data Protection | TMT

Leading Lawyer

Work Highlights

Cubic Transport Systems

Advising on and negotiating agreements relating to the design and implementation of a National Ticketing Solution for public transport across New Zealand (enabling patrons to pay for public transport using mobile phones, credit cards and pay wave).

New Zealand Rugby Union

Advising on commercial arrangements in relation to Silver Lake’s $200 million investment. 

Core finance and enterprise solutions

Advising private sector and public sector entities including Briscoe Group, HFC Bank (Fiji), Fiji National Provident Fund, Toll Networks, Wellington City Council, Christchurch City Council, Porirua City Council and Tasman District Council.

Systems design, development, and implementation projects

Advising central government agencies including Inland Revenue and Land Information New Zealand.

Global technology solution providers

Advising on privacy and data matters associated with the deployment of their solutions in New Zealand, including collection, use, disclosure and cross-border transfer considerations.

Areas of Expertise

Insights & News