Motu Research embarking on new research with Marsden Fund grant: Making the most of Aotearoa New Zealand's cities and towns

Nov 7, 2025

We’re very proud to say we’ve just been awarded a prestigious Marsden Fund Fast Start grant for research into what helps our urban centres grow and thrive.

Our Senior Fellow Stuart Donovan will be the Principal Investigator for this research, working alongside our Dave Maré and Arthur Grimes, as well as Ryan Greenaway-McGrevy (University of Auckland).

The team will do detailed research of the benefits and costs that arise when people and organisations locate closely together, helping to identify the kinds of urban environments that best support people’s productivity and wellbeing.

About 87% of New Zealanders live in urban areas. While most urban areas in Aotearoa are growing, some have struggled and declined, raising key questions. 
What sort of urban environments best support productivity and wellbeing? And can we improve urban outcomes in places that have been facing challenges?

With this Marsden Fund Fast Start grant, the team will use census data and advanced statistical methods to explore how broad socioeconomic conditions, such as social trust and crime levels, influence urban economic outcomes across Aotearoa.

Huge congratulations Stuart, Dave, Arthur and Ryan!