Monday, 16 March 2026
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD hour
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the key changes introduced by the 5th Edition of the Government Procurement Rules, including revised thresholds, simplified rules and the economic benefit to New Zealand test
- Identify the legal and practical implications of the new procurement framework for government agencies and suppliers, including relevant MBIE implementation guidance
Chair
James Riddoch, Commercial Barrister, Canterbury Chambers
Update on the 5th Edition of the Government Procurement Rules
- Overview of key changes rule simplification, thresholds, removal of sustainability rating requirements
- Introduction of the economic benefit to New Zealand test
- Legal and practical implications for agencies and suppliers
- MBIE’s implementation support and guidance
Presented by Amy Ryburn, Partner, Buddle Findlay and Damien Steel-Baker, Special Counsel, Buddle Findlay
Presenters
Amy Ryburn, Partner, Buddle FindlayAmy specialises in commercial law. She advises on a range of commercial matters but has a particular focus on technology, media and telecommunications (TMT), outsourcing, public sector contracting and procurement, intellectual property, privacy and data protection, and consumer law matters. Amy has more than 20 years of experience working on complex technology projects in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Her team has worked on some of the most significant technology contracts in New Zealand in recent years (including a number of syndicated and framework agreements put in place for use by eligible Government agencies throughout New Zealand). Her expertise includes drafting, negotiating and providing strategic pragmatic advice on agreements for both customers and suppliers for cloud computing solutions, a full range of network and other telco services, and software development projects (using both agile and waterfall methodologies).
James Riddoch, Commercial Barrister, Canterbury Chambers
James is a specialist front-end construction lawyer with expertise in the procurement, contracting, and delivery of construction projects across a range of industries. He also provides probity advice on significant and sensitive public sector projects. James joined Canterbury Chambers as a commercial barrister in May 2025 and was previously a partner in the construction team of a national firm. Earlier in his career he spent over a decade working in London where he was recommended by the UK Legal 500 for his work in development in the social housing sector. James sits on the South Island Regional Committee of Property Council New Zealand, is the immediate past Chair of the South Island Region, and a past director on Property Council’s national board. Prior to his move to the bar he was ranked by Chambers and Partners for construction. James has acted on, and provided procurement, contracting and in-project advice for major projects and programmes for Government ministries and Crown agents, local authorities (and their subsidiaries), contractors, owner developers, and consultants. He has experience in a range of sectors including social infrastructure (particularly social housing in New Zealand and the United Kingdom), residential, industrial, commercial, retail, hospitality, education, and primary (particularly dairy).
Damien Steel-Baker, Special Counsel, Buddle Findlay
Damien Steel-Baker specialises in commercial contracting and procurement, with a focus on technology, media and telecommunications (TMT). His expertise includes advising on a wide range of complex transactions including for cloud computing, software development and licensing, from the procurement process, through negotiation and contracting. Prior to working for Buddle Findlay, Damien worked for a large government department for seven years. Damien has extensive experience in the practical application of legal advice and has a strong focus on ensuring the best outcomes for his clients, in addition to legal compliance and risk management.
