New Zealand reclaims its ranking as the least corrupt in the world Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index for 2016 placed New Zealand first-equal with Denmark. With 19 out of the 30 Asia Pacific countries included in the index scoring less than 40 out of 100, New Zealand stands out as a clear leader in the region and globally. Following on from an 8th place ranking (1st in the Asia Pacific region) in the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, New Zealand is well placed as a highly respected, independent, and lawful jurisdiction for international commercial arbitrations and mediations. Enquiries regarding international dispute resolution in New Zealand may be directed to NZIAC website. NZIAC offers fully administered dispute resolution processes, including arbitration, mediation, and arb-med, and is due to launch its revised rules shortly. Watch this space. Financial Conduct Authority CEO calls for dispute resolution mechanism for SMEs Andrew Bailey, the CEO of the UK FCA, is looking to develop an independent dispute resolution service for small and medium sized enterprises which have a complaint against a financial institution, and his statement presented to the UK Treasury Committee last year has recently been debated in the House of Commons. The Financial Ombudsman Service is available to resolve complaints from individuals and micro enterprises (employing less than ten people and with a turnover of 2 million Euro or less. There is no word yet as to whether this service will simply be expanded or a separate scheme introduced. See the House of Commons Hansard debates for more.
New Year's Honours Two of the luminaries of dispute resolution in New Zealand were recognised in the New Years Honours with David A R Williams QC being made a knight companion, and Derek Firth, one of NZDRC’s highly respected panellists, being named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Our warmest congratulations to both. Time to say sorry The Hong Kong Government introduced the Apology Bill into the Legislative Council on 8 February 2017. This piece of legislation sets out the legal consequences of making an apology in certain proceedings and legal matters. The primary objective is to promote and encourage apologies to facilitate the amicable resolution of dispute, providing disputing parties with certainty as to the legal implications of making an apology. Under the Bill as drafted, an apology does not constitute an admission of fault or liability. Further, it cannot be taken into account or be admissible as evidence for the purpose of determining fault or liability to the detriment of the party making the apology. An apology will also not void or affect any relevant insurance cover. The Hong Kong Department of Justice’s Final Report and Recommendations is available on the website of the Department of Justice.