Abby Simpson

Solicitor
Auckland
About

Abby is a solicitor in DLA Piper's Technology and Data Team in New Zealand. She has varied experience advising on complex national and international commercial and technology transactions. Her strengths lie in pragmatic, precise and commercially focused 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 FocusCorporateData, Privacy and CybersecurityIntellectual PropertyMergers and AcquisitionsRegulatory and Government AffairsTechnology and Commercial TransactionsConsumer Goods, Food and RetailEnergy and Natural ResourcesTechnologyInsuranceMedia Sports and Entertainment
Professional QualificationsBarrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, 2023

EXPERIENCE

  • Advised Foodstuffs North Island (New Zealand's largest retail supermarket operator) on technology, regulatory, competition and commercial contracting matters, including its partnership with dunnhumby, a global data science company, for the provision of consulting services and SaaS tools.
  • Advised multinational technology and telecommunications companies on New Zealand market entry.
  • Advised Kingspan Group plc on its acquisition of the business and assets of Conqueror New Zealand, including a successful application for clearance from the New Zealand Commerce Commission.
  • Advised renewable energy businesses on regulatory and commercial contracting matters associated with projects in New Zealand, including advice on Electricity Code obligations, national grid connections, and power purchase agreements.
  • Provided charitable entities with pro bono legal advice on charity registration, ongoing governance, data protection, and contractual arrangements with corporate sponsors, supporters, and service providers.
Languages
  • English
Education
  • LLB (Hons), University of Auckland, 2022
  • BA (History and Sociology), University of Auckland, 2022

Publications and media

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
Cupola porthole on space station_PPT1910520

Beyond our limits: New Zealand increases its space launch limit

27 February 2026

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

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Phone

+64 9 300 3839
(Work, Auckland)