Our Research

Regions and settlements

Motu’s research frequently relates to specific regions within New Zealand. This section details research about regions and settlements excluding Auckland.

Our research focus

Motu’s current and recent regional economic research focus includes:

  • How do regions within New Zealand adjust to industrial and demographic change, including regional population decline?
  • How large are differences in productivity, innovation, wages between regions - and why? 
  • What are the determinants of success for "second-tier" settlements? (Funded through the National Science Challenge 11.)
  • Effects of the Christchurch earthquakes on outcomes for Christchurch and for property markets outside of Christchurch - funded by the Natural Hazards Platform.

Publications