Welcome to the 16th issue of ReSolution® in which we draw on the experience and knowledge of leading experts in the field to bring you commentary, articles and reviews on topical matters relating to domestic and international dispute resolution. This is a particularly special issue as it also marks the launch of the New Zealand International Arbitration Centre’s (NZIAC) 2018 Rules for Arbitration, Mediation, and Arb-Med. With New Zealand’s well developed and trusted legal system, world class infrastructure, and ‘safe nation’ status, NZIAC is ideally positioned to become the Trans-Pacific Region’s premier forum to handle the expected growth in complex, cross-border commercial and investment disputes in the region. There is no question that the release by NZIAC of its 2018 suite of Rules will be keenly followed and will undoubtedly mark one of the most significant developments on the international dispute resolution scene this year. In this issue we look at arb-med and repudiatory breach in the context of such a unitary agreement, when expert determination clauses go wrong, changes to the Thai Arbitration Act, applications for setting aside arbitral awards will require evidence of misconduct or irregularity and not just loss of confidence in the arbitrator’s ability; and more. In Case in Brief, Sarah Redding looks at three recent cases (Oao v Magneco Meterel UK Ltd [2017] EWHC 2208 (Comm); Glencore Agriculture BV v Conqueror Holdings Ltd [2017] EWHC 2893 (Comm); and, Sino Chanel Asia Ltd v dana Shipping & Trading Pte Singapore & Anor [2017] EWCA Civ 1703) which demonstrate the importance of technical and procedural accuracy in drafting and serving arbitration documents.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank all our contributors. We are most grateful for the support we receive from dispute resolution professionals, law firms, and publishers, locally and overseas, that allows us to share with you papers and articles of a world-class standard, and to bring you a broad perspective on the law and evolving trends in the delivery and practice of domestic and international dispute resolution. Contributions of articles, papers and commentary for future issues of ReSolution® are always welcome. I do hope you find this issue interesting and useful. Please feel free to distribute ReSolution® to your friends and colleagues – they are most welcome to contact us if they wish to receive our publications directly.