Abby Simpson

She/herAssociate
Auckland
About

Abby is an Associate in DLA Piper's Technology and Data Team in New Zealand.

Abby advises on business-critical technology, data and sourcing arrangements, helping organisations manage legal and regulatory risk while delivering complex transformation and innovation programmes. Her experience spans technology procurement, digital transformation, AI governance, data protection, data commercialisation and strategic sourcing.

Drawing on both private practice and in-house secondment experience, Abby provides commercially grounded advice that reflects how organisations operate in practice. She regularly supports clients undertaking significant technology investments, complex data initiatives and cross-border transactions, with a particular focus on highly regulated sectors where operational resilience, privacy and governance are critical to success.

Areas of FocusData, Privacy and CybersecurityRegulatory and Government AffairsTechnology and Commercial TransactionsConsumer Goods, Food and RetailTechnologyMedia Sports and Entertainment
Professional QualificationsBarrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, 2023

EXPERIENCE

  • Advising Foodstuffs North Island (New Zealand's largest retail supermarket operator) on 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 various multinational technology and telecommunications companies on New Zealand market entry, including regulatory, privacy, consumer law and commercial contracting requirements.
  • Advising various local and international entities on the implementation of IPP 3A (indirect collection) following amendments to the Privacy Act, including collection mapping and policy suite updates.
  • Advising space and satellite infrastructure operators on New Zealand regulatory requirements, including ground-based space infrastructure authorisations under the Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act 2017.
  • Advising various renewable energy businesses on regulatory and commercial contracting matters associated with projects in New Zealand, including advice on Electricity Code obligations, connections to the national grid and power purchase agreements.
  • Advising a consumer brands on nationwide promotional campaigns, including customer terms and conditions, prize structure and Fair Trading Act compliance.
  • Providing various charitable entities with pro bono legal advice on charity registration, ongoing governance, data protection and contractual arrangements with corporate sponsorship partners, supporters and service providers.
  • 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.
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)