NZIAC Arbitration Rules: a comparison
The table below provides a brief summary of the key features and differences between the NZIAC arbitration processes available.
To access more detail on the NZIAC suites of arbitration rules, click here.
Standard Rules | EIA60 Rules | EIA90 Rules | EIA120 Rules | |
Which Rules by default? | Claims greater than or equal to NZ$5M | Claims less than NZ$500,000, or for declaratory relief only | Claims greater than or equal to NZ$500,000 and less than NZ$2.5M |
Claims greater than or equal to NZ$2.5M and less than NZ$5M* *or where the Arbitral Tribunal determines the matter to be of exceptional urgency (Rule 1.4 Standard Rules) |
Can a Claimant initiate a single Arbitration in relation to more than one contract? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Is the fixed fee arbitration service available? | No | Yes | No | No |
Are the Arbitral Tribunal’s fees capped? |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How long does the process take from appointment to the Award on all substantive matters? | Within such time as agreed by the parties or determined by the arbitral tribunal. | The Objective is to make a final award in respect of the substantive issues within 60 working days. | The Objective is to make a final award in respect of the substantive issues within 90 working days. | The Objective is to make a final award in respect of the substantive issues within 120 working days. |
Can a Party apply for an Interim Measure/Preliminary Order? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Can a Party apply for an Interim Measure on an urgent basis? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Can a Party apply to join another party? | Yes | No | No | No |
Can a Party apply to consolidate more than one Arbitration proceeding? | Yes | No | No | No |
Is there a hearing? | Yes, unless agreed by the parties, there is a hearing at the Arbitral Tribunal’s discretion. | No. Although the Arbitral Tribunal may exercise its discretion to convene a conference if necessary. | Unless agreed by the parties, at the Arbitral Tribunal’s discretion but limited to 3 days. | Unless agreed by the parties, at the Arbitral Tribunal’s discretion but limited to 5 days. |
Is there provision for a visit or inspection of the relevant location, subject matter, property, goods at issue? | Yes, at the Arbitral Tribunal’s discretion. | Yes, at the Arbitral Tribunal’s discretion. | Yes, at the Arbitral Tribunal’s discretion. | Yes, at the Arbitral Tribunal’s discretion. |
Are the Arbitral Tribunal’s Awards subject to scrutiny by the NZIAC Registry before being issued? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Is there a right of appeal on a question of law? | On an ‘opt in’ basis only. The Parties may agree that any appeal on a question of law may be made to the AMINZ Arbitration Appeals Tribunal. | No | No | No |