Changes to our Terms of Engagement and Privacy Policy

We have updated our Terms of Engagement and published a new Privacy Policy. The new terms and policy apply to all new instructions and matters already in progress. A mark-up showing the changes to our terms is also available.

The main changes are:

• Scope of our work. A new section explains that our work is limited to what we agree with the client. Unless agreed, we do not give tax, accounting, building or resource management advice, or advise on whether a transaction is commercially wise. We also rely on information provided by clients and third parties being accurate.
• Artificial intelligence. A new section explains how we use AI tools, the confidentiality and security safeguards we require of our providers, and that we remain fully responsible for our advice. It also notes that while we welcome client’s using AI there are some risks, including giving us too much, irrelevant or wrong information, and loss of confidentiality and privilege with free, general-purpose tools.
• Audit. Information may also be disclosed to our AML/CFT auditors, as well as to auditors approved by the New Zealand Law Society.
• General. Various other changes to fix inconsistent wording and make things clearer.

Our new Privacy Policy explains in more detail what personal information we collect, how we use and protect it, who we share it with (including our technology providers, auditors and regulators), and how you can access or correct it.  Nothing you wouldn’t expect for a provider of legal services but we’ve set it all out in detail.

If you have any questions about these changes, please contact us.