Abby Simpson

Solicitor
Auckland
About

Abby is a commercial lawyer with varied experience advising on complex national and international transactions, particularly in the technology and renewable energy sectors. Her strengths lie in drafting and negotiating contracts and delivers pragmatic legal advice tailored to the needs of dynamic businesses.

Her diverse client base spans local authorities, leading local and global businesses, and innovative startups across industries including consumer goods, food and retail, life sciences, and renewable energy.

In addition, Abby regularly contributes commercial and regulatory competition advice to domestic and cross-border M&A transactions, helping her clients navigate regulatory requirements with confidence and care.
Areas of FocusConsumer Goods, Food and RetailEnergy and Natural ResourcesTechnologyCorporateData, Privacy and CybersecurityIntellectual PropertyMergers and AcquisitionsRegulatory and Government AffairsTechnology and Commercial Transactions
Professional QualificationsBarrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, 2023

EXPERIENCE

  • New Zealand's largest retail supermarket operator: advising on technology, regulatory, competition and commercial contracting matters.
  • Kingspan Group plc: advised on its acquisition of the business and assets of Conqueror New Zealand, including a successful application for clearance from the New Zealand Commerce Commission.
  • Various renewable energy businesses: advising on regulatory and commercial contracting matters associated with projects in New Zealand, including advice on Electricity Code obligations.
  • A local government entity: advising on the solar power purchase agreement as part of a wider to procure clean energy for a wastewater treatment plant on the land.
  • GendAffirm: providing pro bono legal advice on charity registration and ongoing governance guidance.
  • OutLine: providing pro bono legal advice on this charity's governance and contractual arrangements with corporate sponsorship partners, supporters and service providers.
Languages
  • English
Education
  • LLB (Hons), University of Auckland, 2022
  • BA (History and Sociology), University of Auckland, 2022

Publications and media

  • Simpson, Abigail. (2023). "Pacific Reset"? Locating Patterns of Race and Colonialism in New Zealand's Pacific Labour, Trade and Aid Relationships. Auckland University Law Review, 29, 90-122.
  • From Innovation to Implementation: Regulating AI in Aotearoa New Zealand | Technology's Legal Edge (https://www.technologyslegaledge.com/2024/08/from-innovation-to-implementation-regulating-ai-in-aotearoa-new-zealand/)

Seminars

Participant in DLA Piper's pro bono teaching programme with the University of the South Pacific in April 2025 which involved teaching a 5-day practical legal skills course to law students from across Pacific Islands in Suva, Fiji. 

Additional Qualifications

  • New Zealand Certificate in Te Reo (Reo Rua Level 1 & 2), Te Wananga o Aotearoa, 2019

Memberships and Affiliations

  • New Zealand Law Society

  • Rainbow Law Auckland, committee member

My latest insights

Publication

New Zealand's evolving approach to regulating space activities

11 November 2025

Publication

Watch this space: New Zealand's regulatory regime is preparing for liftoff

6 August 2025 .9 minute read

Publication

Quick on the uptake? New Zealand’s new strategic approach to Artificial Intelligence

9 July 2025 .10 minute read

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Phone

+64 9 300 3839
(Work, Auckland)