We’re helping a new generation of young researchers flourish

Nov 25, 2025

One of our main objectives is building the capability of young researchers (and government employees) in economic and public policy research.

So, we were delighted to see the great things our ex-Research Analyst, Sophie O'Brien, and 2024 Āheitanga Thesis Scholarship winner, Jake Koekemoer, have achieved recently after receiving our support and training.

Jake Koekemoer (affiliated with Te Ātiawa o te Waka-a-Māui) co-won our 2024 Āheitanga Thesis Scholarship – and used it to do his thesis for his recently completed Master of Management Studies in Economics at The University of Waikato. His thesis was also supported by the Tauhokohoko research project hosted by Te Kotahi Research Institute. Guided by Professor Anna Strutt, Jake’s thesis looked at the effects of business characteristics on export propensity for Māori businesses and authorities. This contributes to the understanding of the unique business climate faced by Māori exporters in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Our Motu researchers also assisted Jake with his research. Jake has now started a PHD at the University of Waikato. We are delighted to have supported him on part of his research journey. Kia ora, Jake!

Sophie O'Brien was a Motu Research Analyst from 2018 until 2021. This year, she graduated with a PhD from the University of Canterbury, supported by a Motu Doctoral Scholarship. Since leaving Motu Research, she has also become a mother twice over. Recently, research from her PhD was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a high-impact, top-tier interdisciplinary journal. This research explores how the use and spatial arrangement of landscapes – forests, grasslands, and croplands – affect the ecosystem services provided by mobile species, such as birds and butterflies.