AI advisory

AI is changing how organisations operate, compete and deliver services. For many businesses, the question is no longer whether to use AI, but how to use it safely, effectively and at scale.

The challenge is keeping governance, contracts, risk management and decision-making aligned with technology that continues to evolve rapidly. New tools, vendors and regulatory expectations can create operational, legal and reputational risks if they are not addressed early.

We advise both organisations adopting AI and technology providers developing AI-enabled products and services. Our team helps clients make informed decisions about AI strategy, governance, procurement, deployment and risk management, giving them a practical framework to move forward with confidence.

Our experience spans the full AI lifecycle, from establishing governance frameworks and policies through to negotiating technology contracts, managing privacy and intellectual property issues, supporting transactions, and resolving disputes.

Our perspective is grounded in both client work and practical experience assessing, procuring and implementing AI solutions, including privacy, security and risk assessments. We bring trans-Tasman firm expertise, and can provide cross-border advice in collaboration with MinterEllison Consulting for entities operating across Australasia.

MinterEllisonRuddWatts is ranked Band 1 by Chambers Asia-Pacific and Tier 1 by Legal 500 Asia Pacific for our Technology, Media and Telecommunications expertise.

Our expertise includes

• AI governance and policy: Helping boards, executives and leadership teams establish governance frameworks, accountability and decision-making processes for AI adoption.
• Regulatory compliance: Developing and reviewing AI use policies and helping organisations navigate evolving legal and regulatory obligations.
• AI procurement and commercial contracting: Advising on the procurement, implementation and negotiation of AI platforms, software and related technology services.
• Corporate support and due diligence: Supporting transactions involving AI-enabled, technology-focused and data-rich businesses.
• Intellectual property in AI: Advising on ownership, licensing, use and protection of data, models, outputs and other AI-related assets.
• AI Privacy and cyber security: Managing privacy, data protection, security and cross-border data issues associated with AI deployments.
• Risk, insurance and disputes: Advising on contractual risk allocation and AI-related liability exposures.
  
  

They demonstrate real agility agility in their ways of working and are responsive to non-traditional legal outputs. Their approach is flexible, practical, and aligned with client needs, making them a modern and adaptable legal partner.The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026

Recent highlights

AI procurement and enterprise deployment for a major bank

Advised a major New Zealand bank on the procurement and implementation of AI development and deployment services. We helped navigate complex contractual, regulatory and risk allocation issues, enabling the client to progress a significant AI initiative within a highly regulated operating environment.

AI strategy and governance for an NZX-listed company

Advised an NZX-listed agribusiness on its AI strategy and governance framework ahead of enterprise-wide adoption. We helped leadership assess legal, regulatory and operational considerations, supporting informed decision-making and establishing a foundation for responsible and scalable AI use.

AI-enabled customer service transformation

Advised an Australian insurer on the legal and regulatory implications of implementing an AI-powered customer service solution. We helped assess technology, consumer, privacy and operational risks, supporting deployment of a new customer-facing capability in a regulated environment.

Commercialising AI products for market growth

Advised AI software company Autohive on the development and structuring of its customer terms and legal framework. We helped align its contracting approach with a rapidly evolving product offering, supporting growth while managing legal and commercial risk.

AI governance and deployment in a regulated organisation

Advised a large organisation operating in a regulated environment on the rollout of multiple AI platforms. We supported governance design, policy development, risk and security assessments, and board reporting processes to enable responsible adoption across the organisation.