Biography:
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.
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, 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.
Awards & Recognition
- Chambers Asia-Pacific 2026
Leading Lawyer – Technology, Media & Telecommunications
- Asia Pacific Legal 500 2026
Leading Partner – TMT | Data Protection & Cybersecurity
- Lexology 2026 Australia & New Zealand - Data
- Women in Business Law Expert Guide 2022
Leading Lawyer – Privacy and Data Protection | TMT
- International Association of Privacy Professionals - certified AIGP (AI Governance Professional)
Memberships
- New Zealand Law Foundation – Trustee
- New Zealand Asian Lawyers – Board Member
- Digital Identity New Zealand – Member and on Biometrics Special Interest Group
- International Association of Privacy Professionals – Member and past Auckland KnowledgeNet Chair
- Asia Pacific News Section of Computers and Telecommunications Law Review (Sweet and Maxwell) – regular contributor