Haines v Carter [2001] 2 NZLR 167 is a cited case in New Zealand regarding the defence of duress, that the party must raise this issue soon after the event, otherwise such a defence will fail due to affirmation.

The parties agreed for the division of the relationship property be decided by arbitration.

After the arbitrators had made their decision, after Mr. Haines had transferred some of the property to Ms. Carter, Mr. Haines subsequently claimed he was subject to duress at the time, as he claimed Ms. Carter had threatened to lodge a complaint against him with the Inland Revenue Department.

Mr. Haines now disputed any liability for the balance remaining under the arbitration award.

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