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In this episode, Technology Partner Tom Maasland is joined by Senior Associate Oliver Sutton from our Litigation team to examine how the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is affecting the application of legal privilege.
[01:20] Oliver outlines the three most common forms of legal privilege encountered in practice: solicitor client privilege, litigation privilege, and privilege for settlement negotiations, explaining the fundamental interplay with confidentiality.
[02:58] Oliver discusses both intentional and inadvertent waiver of legal privilege, including disclosures made during litigation, information sharing with third parties, and accidental disclosures through emails or document handling errors.
[04:49] Tom and Oliver then consider whether inputting privileged material into AI models can amount to a waiver of legal privilege. Oliver notes that while the issue is ultimately fact-dependent, there are key differences between inputs into public AI tools versus enterprise grade AI platforms that are likely to be relevant in this setting.
[06:16] They discuss recent examples illustrating how AI usage can expose confidential information, including instances where public AI chat data became searchable online, highlighting the real and practical risks for legal teams
[07:40] Oliver considers whether AI prompts and responses could be discoverable under the High Court Rules.
[11:00] Lastly, they discuss various practical considerations for businesses in the adoption and use of AI tools in a legal context, highlighting the importance of enterprise grade AI, carefully reviewing terms and conditions, taking a privacy by design approach, and implementing strong AI governance. 
 
Information in this episode is accurate as at, 19 January 2026.
 
Please contact Tom Maasland, Oliver Sutton or our Litigation team if you need legal advice and guidance on any of the topics discussed in the episode. 
And don’t forget to rate, review or follow MinterEllisonRuddWatts wherever you get your podcasts. You can also email us directly at [email protected] and sign up to receive technology updates via your inbox here.
 
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Our approach to generative AI 
For show notes and additional resources visit minterellison.co.nz/podcasts

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In the first episode of our new Election 2026 series, Litigation and Public Law Partner, Briony Davies, Special Counsel Daniel Fielding and Senior Associate Mark Calderwood, explore New Zealand’s waka jumping legislation and what it means for MPs under the MMP system. They explain how an MP’s seat can be vacated, how the courts have interpreted proportionality, and why legal challenges to party decisions are so difficult to sustain.
[01:40–03:40] Briony introduces the topic of waka jumping and asks Mark to explain what the term means in legal terms. Mark describes waka jumping as the informal label for provisions introduced by the Electoral Integrity Amendment Act 2018, which were designed to preserve public confidence in the electoral system and maintain proportional representation in Parliament under MMP. He explains that New Zealand previously had similar legislation between 2001 and 2005 following significant party defections after the first MMP election, but that no such rules applied between 2005 and 2018. During that gap, MPs were able to leave their parties and remain in Parliament as independents without losing their seats.
[03:40–05:39] The discussion then moves to the mechanics of how an MP’s seat may be vacated under the current legislation. Mark explains that one pathway arises when an MP voluntarily notifies the Speaker that they have resigned from the party for which they were elected, in which case the seat is automatically vacated. He notes that this requirement is applied strictly, as demonstrated by the controversy surrounding Meka Whaitiri’s resignation. Mark then outlines the second pathway, where a party leader may notify the Speaker that an MP’s conduct has distorted or is likely to distort proportionality, provided procedural requirements are met, including notice to the MP, internal party support, and compliance with party rules. He explains that list MPs are replaced by the next person on the party list, while electorate MPs trigger a by‑election, using Jamie Lee Ross departure from the National Party as an illustrative example of how this could have played out.
[05:39–09:19] Attention then shifts to the courts’ interpretation of proportionality, with Briony explaining the significance of the Supreme Court’s decision in Prebble v Huata. She outlines
For show notes and additional resources visit minterellison.co.nz/podcasts

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In this follow up episode, Partners Gillian Service and Megan Evans, discuss the Holidays Act reform. They explore why the reform is significant, what operational changes employers should prepare for, and how these changes aim to simplify compliance and reduce litigation. From hours-based leave accrual to mandatory pay statements and the introduction of leave compensation payments, Gillian and Megan provide practical insights and highlight key challenges businesses may face during the transition period.
[01:06] Gillian explains that unclear laws lead to non-compliance and litigation. Megan adds that previous governments have tried and failed to fix the Act, making this overhaul a significant milestone. They stress that operational details will matter greatly.
[03:05] They discuss, when do extra shifts become “contracted”? And they explain that regular overtime may need to be reflected in employment agreements to avoid misclassification and miscalculation of entitlements.
[06:05] Gillian highlights that under the new system, employees may experience a drop in pay during leave compared to the current system. Megan stresses the importance of educating employees about this change.
[07:35] Gillian and Megan discuss the ability to take leave in hours rather than full or half days, which benefits employees but adds complexity for employers, especially those with variable schedules. They introduce the concept of a “notional roster.”
[09:04] Megan clarifies how allowances will be treated under the new system. Fixed allowances must be included in leave calculations, while variable components like bonuses and commissions will not. Employers may need to renegotiate contracts.
[10:34] They discuss that public holidays will use a clearer “seven out of 13 weeks” test, replacing the current multi-factor approach. This should reduce litigation but requires employers to track work patterns.
[11:34] Gillian and Megan discuss the two-year transition period. While generous on paper, it may be tight for large employers with complex systems. They note that early implementation is not allowed.
[13:02] They explore the new system, employees can cash up 25% of their hourly leave balance annually. This could help employers manage large leave liabilities but requires employee initiation.
[15:32] Gillian summaries that employers must still remediate historic liabilities, but once an agreed amount is paid, no further claims can be made. This approach aims to reduce compliance costs.
[17:37] Gillian and Megan discuss the bill that is expected in early 2026, followed by the select committee process. They cover how the Government aims to pass legislation before the next election and is actively seeking feedback from businesses and employers are encourage to make submissions and share practial insights to ensure the reforms are workable, enduring and straight forward. 
 
Information in this episode is accurate as at the date of recording, 20 November 2025.
 
Please contact Gillian Service, Megan Evans or our Employment team if you need legal advice or guidance on any of the topics discussed in the episode. 
Don’t forget to rate, review or follow MinterEllisonRuddWatts wherever you get your podcasts. You can sign up to receive up
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In our final episode for 2025, Technology Partner Tom Maasland reconnects with ChatGPT, now powered by GPT-5.2, to explore the rapid evolution of conversational AI and its potential impact on the legal landscape. Join us for a festive and engaging discussion on what the future holds for law and technology with one of our most thought-provoking guests.
[01:31] Tom dives into this interview explaining the premise of the episode to ChatGPT-5.2 and the audience. ChatGPT-5.2 introduces itself and Tom recalls the 2024 interview with GPT 4.0.
[03:02] ChatGPT-5.2 shares major upgrades since GPT 4.0: Smoother conversational flow, better context retention, and improved reasoning. It now connects ideas more like a human and provides richer, more trustworthy answers. Accuracy and access to current information have also improved, though users should still verify critical details.
[06:12] Tom explains how he uses ChatGPT for meeting prep and ChatGPT-5.2 adds examples like brainstorming, creative writing, and casual conversation. It also introduces proactive suggestions, making interactions more dynamic and helpful.
[08:18] ChatGPT-5.2 Pulse keeps the model aware of trends and fresh info, now available in New Zealand. ChatGPT-5.2 also explains its adaptive response system, which automatically switches between quick answers and deep reasoning depending on the question.
[10:56] Tom asks ChatGPT-5.2 about image generation, video creation, and music generation features that are emerging. GPT confirms a new partnership with Disney for AI-generated videos featuring iconic characters starting in early 2026.
[11:59} Tom queries ChatGPT-5.2 over its parent company OpenAI's recent deal with Disney and asks ChatGPT-5.2 to expand on the details of the deal. 
[13:07] GPT breaks down the differences between Free, Paid, and Pro tiers. Tom then asks fun holiday questions: favourite Christmas film, tech buzzwords, and AI predictions for the next five years.
[14:07] Tom asks ChatGPT-5.2 to answer a quick fire round of festive related questions. And Tom asks his final question, which is the same question he asked in 2024. How does ChatGPT-5.2 see the world having been changed by AI in the next five years? 
[15:44] Tom's shares his overall reflections on having a conversation with ChatGPT-5.2, what he found has improved compared to 2024, what was noteworthy from the discussion, and that a reminder that AI can make mistakes even the most advanced models. 

Information in this episode is accurate as at the date of recording, 15 December 2025.

Please contact Tom Maasland or our Technology team if you need legal advice and guidance on any of the topics discussed in the episode. 
And don’t forget to rate, review or follow MinterEllisonRuddWatts wherever you get your podcasts. You can also email us directly at [email protected] and sign up to receive technology updates via your inbox here.
We’d also like to thank you for your continued support of Tech Suite and invite you to complete our brief end-of-year survey to help shape future episodes. The survey takes approximately three minutes to complete and is completely anonymous. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us deliver content that remains relevant, enga
For show notes and additional resources visit minterellison.co.nz/podcasts

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In this episode, Sustainability Leader and Partner Holly Hill sits down with Matt Connolly, Air New Zealand's Sustainability Lead for Energy Transition, to explore the airline's leading initiatives including its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) trial, climate-related transition plan, next generation aircrafts, and fuel optimisation.
[01:14] Holly and Matt discuss that aviation is inherently unsustainable because it relies on burning fossil fuels, making it a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
[02:19] Holly and Matt explore Air New Zealand’s current use of SAF, noting its scarcity and high cost. He explains that collaboration with corporates is critical to scaling SAF globally and that the pilot program in New Zealand is designed to foster these partnerships.
[02:49] Matt describes how SAF is chemically similar to jet fuel and can be used in existing aircraft without modification. He explains that emissions reductions come from SAF’s lifecycle, as it is produced from biogenic and waste sources rather than fossil fuels. He also outlines how emissions benefits are shared between airlines and corporate partners through scope 1 and scope 3 reductions.
[04:48] Matt shares that corporate partners purchase emissions reductions to match portions of their travel. He notes that Air New Zealand used 1.7% SAF in its fuel mix last financial year, which equates to approximately 50,000 tonnes of avoided emissions compared to fossil jet fuel.
[06:18] They explore Air New Zealand’s short-term target of 10% SAF in its fuel mix by 2030 and a long-term goal of achieving net zero by 2050. Matt explains that global aviation bodies expect SAF to make up two-thirds to 100% of jet fuel by mid-century.
[06:48] Matt says the SAF pilot has generated interest among corporates, but emphasises that scaling SAF requires broad collaboration. Air New Zealand is working with sustainability groups and auditors to build trust and create a robust system for corporate participation.
[07:48] Holly and Matt outline the economic challenges of scaling SAF, including its current cost premium and the need for large-scale, capital-intensive projects. He explains that moving SAF down the technology cost curve is essential for affordability.
[08:48] They discuss Air New Zealand’s ongoing conversations with the New Zealand government about SAF and notes that governments worldwide are approaching the challenge in different ways. He emphasises the importance of finding a solution that works for New Zealand.
[09:18] Matt explains that partnerships are key to SAF success globally. He notes that airlines making progress on SAF are those working closely with corporate partners to build commercially sustainable approaches.
[10:18] Matt summarises that aviation is difficult to decarbonise, but SAF is a viable solution today. He stresses that partnerships are essential for scaling SAF and reiterates Air New Zealand’s commitment to net zero by 2050
[11:47] They round out the episode by sharing Air New Zealand’s research into electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft, including a technical demonstrator project with Beta Technologies. He explains that while these technologies may not play a major role before 2050, they represent a long-term opportunity to move away from fossil fuels entirely.

Information in this episode is accurate as at the date of recording, 24 November 2025.

Please contact Holly Hill
For show notes and additional resources visit minterellison.co.nz/podcasts