Arbitrator ethics in New Zealand: The New Zealand approach to ethical obligations in international arbitration

<p>Arbitrators in international arbitrations must observe ethical obligations of impartiality and independence, competence, diligence, confidentiality and compliance with the arbitration agreement. A New Zealand understanding of these standard international obligations is influenced by New Zealand’s ethical culture. New Zealand arbitrators practicing overseas must recognise how their culture affects their approach to ethical obligations. In particular, they must be aware that a New Zealand approach to impartiality and independence may be seen as relaxed by those outside New Zealand. A New Zealand approach to ethical obligations is also applied during the enforcement of arbitrators’ obligations where New Zealand is the seat of an international arbitration. Foreign parties are likely to be satisfied with the enforcement of ethical obligations in New Zealand. This is good news for those seeking to establish New Zealand as a regional hub of international arbitration.</p>