Although New Zealand is geographically challenged in relation to the major economies, the Internet has made a substantial difference as to how we can do business internationally. To some extent, it doesn't really matter where you are, as long as you have a good connection and the ability to turn the work around. And because New Zealand is seen as politically independent, and to some extent economically independent, New Zealand is are able to market themselves as neutrals for dispute resolution with unique advantages. There are a number of initiatives undertaken by AMINZ and others to take advantage of this perceived neutrality, which I hope will continue to grow.
New Zealand law is substantially similar to Australia and United Kingdom law, and to a lesser extent Canadian and United States law. But I believe it is recognised that our legal system produces strong and independent decision-making. Our arbitration system also comes with the advantage of an arbitration appeal authority, whose members are well recognised international arbitrators. So we can offer independent and neutral tribunal members, a stable and sophisticated legal system and the ability to have any decision reviewed without the need to take the matter through the expense of court litigation. And of course, as parties to the New York Convention, any award given in New Zealand is enforceable wherever the other country is a member of the Convention.