Technology partners Tom Maasland and Kate Cruickshank host our special three-episode series of Tech Suite, marking New Zealand Techweek26.
In this final episode, Tom Maasland is joined by, Chelsea Gordon, the Legal Lead of MinterEllison Australia's AI Advisory practice to discuss how organisations should approach AI governance to navigate the evolving risks and opportunities of AI adoption.
[01:15] Tom and Chelsea explain why strong governance is essential in a fast moving AI landscape. Drawing on historical analogies, they illustrate how good governance doesn’t slow innovation but instead enables it to be safer, more effective and ultimately faster.
[03:40] Chelsea and Tom consider the differences in regulatory approaches to AI between jurisdictions, and what lessons New Zealand can take from Australia’s approach. Chelsea explains by way of a healthcare use case, how clearer regulatory positions can actually speed up adoption by reducing uncertainty.
[07:04] They discuss recent shifts in Australia’s approach to AI transparency, including a move away from mandatory transparency requirements towards more voluntary frameworks. Chelsea outlines the current obligations applying to government entities in Australia, contrasting these with expectations for non government organisations.
[08:38] Chelsea mentions Australia’s cautious public sentiment toward AI, observing that while trust in this type of technology is gradually improving, it remains highly brand dependent. She also highlights the risk that employees may turn to unsanctioned AI tools if organisations do not provide approved and trusted alternatives.
[11:52] Tom and Chelsea examine how organisational AI governance conversations have evolved over time, which Chelsea noting the biggest shifts she has observed; AI is now recognised as a board-level strategic issue, governance is understood as an ongoing process rather than a one-time exercise, and AI literacy is steadily improving, though agents and emerging technologies mean frameworks must keep evolving.
[16:43] Chelsea talks through the key elements of a robust governance framework, such as named accountability, multidisciplinary teams, risk categorisation, a strong AI register, and clear guidance for staff, emphasising that the framework must be built to flex as the technology changes.
Information in this episode is accurate as at the date of recording, 4 May, 2026.
Please contact Tom Maasland, Chelsea Gordon or our Technology team if you need legal advice and guidance on any of the topics discussed in the episode.
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Additional resources
Chelsea Gordon - AI Advisory Legal Lead, Sydney - MinterEllison
Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 – Parliament of Australia
