Information, communications and technology

Our team also provides advice on day-to-day technology matters for clients, in both the private and public sectors.

The national ICT team is led by Dean Oppenhuis and has been recognised by Chambers Asia Pacific as a top tier leading practice. This reflects that we work with clients on issues at the forefront of industry development and innovation. We have a reputation for combining a commercial approach with extensive industry know-how to secure excellent outcomes for clients.

The team's experience and expertise diverse across the ICT spectrum and includes advising on technology infrastructure, systems integration, software licensing, telecommunications network outsourcing, wholesale telecommunications services, technology transfers, software development, telecommunications regulatory matters and cyber security.

Bell Gully supports many start-up technology clients and we have been recognised for our strategic expertise in this area. We have in place specific initiatives to help support new technology businesses as a key area of growth for the country in the years ahead. We work to help clients translate innovation into successful business ventures.

Work highlights

Crown Fibre Holdings ultra-fast broadband initiative
Advised Crown Fibre Holdings, a Government-owned investment vehicle, on the New Zealand Government's ultra-fast broadband initiative. Bell Gully's role included advising on the conduct of the competitive procurement process, leading all of the contract negotiations with eight bidding parties, contracting, company structuring and other issues. This included negotiations for the Network Infrastructure Project Agreements with each of Chorus, Northpower, WEL Networks and Enable Networks.

Transport smartcard project
Advised Auckland Transport on all aspects of the integrated fares ("HOP") smartcard system network project, including the procurement process and the Project Agreement to design, implement and roll-out this complex and multi-faceted system and network infrastructure.

Advised NZ Transport Agency on the centralised use of the integrated smartcard fares system for nation-wide purposes and related agreements with various transport industry participants and suppliers.

Common capability ICT procurement
Advised the Department of Internal Affairs on the Government's Cloud Computing Programme, including several specific projects using the common capability procurement model for agreements that cater for participation by all of government.

SAP implementation
Advised a listed company on the procurement and implementation of a complex SAP enterprise resource planning system to replace legacy processes and architecture and related offshoring arrangements, including preparation of best practice documentation and negotiation with the systems integrator.

Xero IPO and capital raisings
Advised Xero, an online accounting (software as a service) company, on its initial public offering and listing on the NZSX, and subsequent dual-listing on the ASX. This was the first ever IPO in New Zealand of a company that was pre-revenue.

Advised Xero on its subsequent capital raisings through private placements and share purchase plans.

Martin Aircraft IPO
Advised Martin Aircraft, the world's first commercial jetpack maker, on its corporate matters, including its initial public offering and listing on the ASX and its significant investment and collaboration agreement with KuangChi Science Company of China.

FX Networks takeover
Advised FX Networks on its takeover by ASX listed company Vocus Communications, including the corporate restructuring of FX Networks, and advising on the subsequent telecommunications construction joint venture between Vocus NZ and Spark (formerly Telecom).

Acquisition of TelstraClear by Vodafone
Advised Vodafone on its NZ$480 million acquisition of telecommunications provider TelstraClear from Telstra Corporation of Australia. The transaction brought together the second and third-largest telecommunications companies in New Zealand.

"Key strength is breadth of experience at the intersection of commercial and technology. Generally consistent high quality across the team."
The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2023 - Tier 1

A client shared, "We have found their advice, particularly in technology-related fields, to be informed by real and relevant past experience, which means timely delivery has been achieved, while still providing thoroughly considered advice and resources."
Chambers Asia Pacific 2022 - Band 2

"Highly experienced practice, advising major TMT companies in relation to capital raisings, IPOs and other corporate matters. Also skilled in advising on cloud computing and ultra fast broadband rollout. Strong track record of advising government departments on technology projects, including advice on procurement and contractual arrangements."
Chambers Asia Pacific 2021 - Band 2

Information, communications and technology

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