0
Contact Us
Jania Baigent
BCom LLB (Hons) • Auckland
DD
Mobile
Email
Jania is a highly experienced commercial litigator specialising in privacy, cyber security, insurance, product liability, media law, class actions and regulatory investigations. She is also a longstanding member of the firm's Board of Management.
Jania acts on major commercial disputes involving complex contractual, tortious, fair trading, privacy and intellectual property issues. She represents clients in relation to class action litigation and contentious regulatory issues. Jania also has extensive experience advising insurers on the defence and resolution of claims, with a particular focus on product liability and life claims.
She is one of New Zealand's leading specialists in responding to privacy breaches and cyber incidents. Her experience includes acting on some of New Zealand's most significant privacy and data breach events, advising organisations on protecting sensitive information, managing urgent response strategies and obtaining injunctive relief where required.
Jania also advises clients on media law and reputation management matters, including the protection of private and confidential information, defamation, harmful digital communications and digital content liability.
Jania provides calm, strategic advice in complex cases and crisis situations. She works closely with clients to develop practical strategies that manage legal and reputational risk.
Jania is a member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), the New Zealand Insurance Law Association and the Auckland Women Lawyers’ Association.
Chambers Global 2026
Dispute Resolution
Leading Lawyer
Chambers Asia-Pacific 2026
Dispute Resolution
Leading Lawyer
Asia Pacific Legal 500 2026
Dispute Resolution | Technology, Media & Telecommunications
Leading Partner
Doyle's Guide 2026
Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution | Technology, Media & Telecommunications
Leading Lawyer
Work Highlights
Hino Motors
Defending TSE-listed Japanese heavy vehicle manufacturer Hino Motors against a class action proceeding brought by owners of certain Hino vehicles concerning regulatory and product liability issues, Sillsco v Hino Motors Ltd & Anor (2026).
Auckland Council
Representing Auckland Council in the High Court as respondent to the high profile judicial review proceeding challenging the Auckland Council decision regarding disposal of the Downtown Carpark for redevelopment, Save the Queen Street Society Inc v Auckland Council & Anor (2024).
Representing Auckland Council in the Supreme Court in its successful defence of judicial review proceedings challenging the validity of the accommodation provider targeted rate, Auckland Council v CP Group Ltd & Ors (2023).
Te Whatu Ora & Ministry of Justice
Obtaining urgent restraining orders preventing the access, use or disclosure of confidential information obtained during a cyber-attack on Mercury IT, Te Whatu Ora & Anor v Unknown Defendants (2023).
Professional Negligence Proceedings against Professional Advisors
Representing multiple plaintiffs in complex litigation against a financial advisor for breach of duty of care, breach of contract, breach of the Financial Markets Conduct and Fair Trading Act (2024).
Marlborough Lines
Representing Marlborough Lines in High Court litigation brought by a beneficiary of the Marlborough Electric Power Trust for the provision of documents under the Trusts Act 2019, Taylor v Inder & Ors (2022).
Whakaata Māori
Representing Whakaata Maori (then Maori Television) in Durie v Gardener & Maori Television, the leading Court of Appeal defamation decision establishing a defence of responsible communications on matters of public interest.
New Zealand Food & Grocery Council
Representing NZFGC in High Court defamation proceedings Sellman v Slater & Ors (2020).
Waikato District Health Board (now Te Whatu Ora)
Obtaining an urgent injunction against Radio New Zealand and others to protect information obtained during a cyber-attack, Waikato District Health Board v Radio New Zealand & Ors (2022), and successfully pursuing a complaint to the Broadcasting Standards Authority.
HDI/Bayer/Other Multinationals
Acting and advising on a number of complex multi–claimant product liability disputes.
National Storage
Successfully defending High Court and Court of Appeal proceedings concerning passing off and Fair Trading Act claims brought by a competitor, National Mini Storage v National Storage Ltd (2018).
Internet service provider
Advice on online content liability and a range of contentious issues and Court proceedings.
