Knowledge Hub

Welcome to our Knowledge Base, your destination for in-depth articles and resources relevant to dispute resolution. Our curated content covers everything from mediation and arbitration, to negotiation and conflict management. Explore our Knowledge Hub to stay informed and up-to-date.

Article
Close-up of three pieces of Whittaker & Sons dark chocolate with a textured surface, partially stacked on each other. The image highlights the rich, dark brown color and rough edges of the chocolate pieces against a blurred brown background.
Arbitration

Husky Food Importers & Distributors Ltd v JH Whittaker & Sons Ltd [2022] ONSC 1679

New Zealand confectionary and chocolate manufacturer, JH Whittaker & Sons Ltd (Whittaker’s), has brought a successful motion to stay litigation commenced against it by...
Article
A smiling older man in a suit, holding a tablet and using a stylus pen, sits at a desk with light streaming in from a window behind him. He appears to be engaged in an electronic arbitration agreement on the tablet.
Arbitration

Sign of the times: enforcing an arbitration agreement exchanged by electronic counterparts

In the electronic era, documents often do not exist in physical form. Does this affect their enforceability? Recent decisions from Australia and New Zealand...
Article
Four people in business attire are gathered around a table in a bright office. Two individuals are seated, reviewing documents with model clauses, while the other two stand, observing and discussing. A small plant and glass bottle are on the table under a skylight.
Arbitration, Mediation

Different dispute resolution clauses in related contracts. Which one prevails?

If you have a number of related contracts between different parties and they have different dispute resolution clauses, which one do you use?...
Article
Four people in business attire are gathered around a table in a bright office. Two individuals are seated, reviewing documents with model clauses, while the other two stand, observing and discussing. A small plant and glass bottle are on the table under a skylight.
Arbitration, Mediation

Clause and effect: the importance of well-drafted model clauses

Contracts, like disputes, come in all shapes and sizes. Most parties to a contract are keen to get the deal finalised and signed on...
Article
A person wearing a face mask is sitting in a dark room, illuminated by their laptop screen. Their hands are typing on the keyboard, perhaps drafting contracts or seeking insight from overseas courts during the pandemics lockdowns.
General

Pandemics, lockdowns and contracts – can overseas courts give us any insight?

When the COVID-19 pandemic first arrived in New Zealand, there was widespread discussion amongst the legal community about the impact the pandemic and the...
Article
A scattered pile of US one-dollar bills, reminiscent of equitable compensation allowed for breach of an arbitration clause by a third party. The notes, featuring the portrait of George Washington, are overlapping each other and slightly crumpled, creating a textured surface with varying shades of green and white.
Arbitration

Equitable compensation allowed for breach of arbitration clause by a third party

The English High Court was asked whether a third party which derived rights from a contract, and failed to comply with the contract’s arbitration...
Article
A close-up image of a wooden gavel with a brass band, placed on a sound block, typically used by judges in a courtroom setting. The gavel and sound block are situated on a dark surface, with two black binders visible in the background.
Arbitration

Limits to appeals of arbitral awards

The issue of whether there should be a right to review an arbitral award for an error of law, and if so in what...
A man with glasses is sitting at a wooden table, looking surprised while peering at a laptop screen. He is lifting his glasses slightly off his face, eyes wide open, and the background is plain white.
Arbitration

It pays to check: US$54 million error a “simple” mistake

We all make mistakes – it’s human nature. However, some mistakes have bigger consequences and a London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) panel recently...
Press Release
A modern conference room with a long rectangular table surrounded by swivel chairs, a large screen mounted on one wall, floor-to-ceiling windows providing natural light and views of the outdoors, and a strip of dark seating along the windows.
Arbitration, Mediation

COVID-19 Commercial Lease Disputes: Free Arbitration and Mediation available now

Article
A bronze statue of Lady Justice is shown, featuring a blindfolded woman holding balanced scales in her right hand. The figure symbolizes impartiality and fairness in the judicial system. The background is blurred, drawing focus to the detailed sculpture.
Arbitration

Urgent interim relief

In many instances, speedy dispute resolution will be of utmost importance for parties. If a dispute is not resolved promptly it may threaten a...
Article
A large conference room with a long table surrounded by tan swivel chairs. The room, often used for commercial rent lease dispute mediations, has a high ceiling with recessed lighting and a projector. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a view of an outdoor landscape. Laptops and office supplies are on the table.
Arbitration, Mediation

Rent relief in the COVID-19 lockdown

For those who have commercial leases, there are questions around whether there is a right for tenants to ask for rent relief and if...
Article
A blue and yellow sign with the word "OPEN" hangs on a glass door. Below the sign, the word "SHOP" is visible in white letters. The background shows a glimpse of the interior with some blurred elements, indicating the shop is open for business.
Arbitration

Commercial landlord and tenant disputes: Three reasons why arbitration is so popular

During the course of a commercial tenancy, disputes often arise between landlords and tenants in relation to the parties’ obligations under the lease to...

Note: Please note that the information contained in this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter and is not intended as legal advice. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances. The content may not reflect current legal developments and is subject to revision without notice.