Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Awards under the New York Convention in Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

This article examines the current status and interpretation of the New York Convention provisions on recognition and enforcement of awards in Australia and New Zealand. While there have been no New Zealand decisions so far, Australian courts have considered a number of important issues including the effect of interim and interlocutory awards, the limitation period applicable to enforcement proceedings, the existence of a residual discretion not to enforce an award, the consequences of misnaming of a party and public policy. While some decisions have been consistent with the Convention’s objectives and purposes, in others courts have arguably relied too heavily on principles of Australian domestic law.