Economics research at the AUT Business School covers a broad range of areas, from mathematical decision theory to economic history, but has a particular focus on applied research that is informed by data. Much of our work is empirical, and our academics are actively engaged with many aspects of public policy. We also have strong links with the New Zealand Work Research Institute (NZWRI).
Our academic staff have expertise in the following areas:
(Antony Andrews)
Using Bayesian Dynamic Stochastic Frontier models, this study investigates the degree of efficiency in New Zealand hospitals. This study will inform policymakers on appropriate strategies that might be helpful in raising efficiency performance of hospitals.
(Jaqueson Galimberti)
An important challenge in studying economic inequality is limited data availability, which is particularly problematic for developing countries. This project proposes a new measure of inequality constructed by merging information from global geospatial datasets on night-time lights and gridded population.
(Jaqueson Galimberti & Saten Kumar)
What determines firms’ investment decisions? Economic theory points to a key role for expectations of future profits and macroeconomic conditions, but what drives these expectations? This project surveys New Zealand firms about the role of astrological consultations in their investment decisions.
(Saten Kumar)
Using three years data on daily online prices, this project will explore the price setting mechanisms in online markets. A sample of firms will be surveyed to understand how they form their expectations.
(Matthew Ryan)
Different voting rules generate different collective decisions. For example, innocent defendants are more likely to be convicted if conviction requires unanimity rather than a simple majority. This project examines the impact of voting rules on decision quality using laboratory experiments.
(Rahul Sen)
Estimation of the economic impacts of Covid-19 on Asia-Pacific economies, including New Zealand, by applying general equilibrium modelling and policy simulations. The project will analyse the economy-wide and sector-specific effects of the pandemic in both the short-term and long-term.
(Peer Skov)
Existing empirical research shows long-lasting effects on bereaved parents, including increased risk of divorce and weaker labour market attachment. This project augments this literature by focusing specifically on the effects of youth suicide on parental labour supply in New Zealand.
(Sadhana Srivastava)
An empirical study using panel co-integration analysis for a group of OECD member countries to understand the long-run impact of globalization on OECD members across different geographical regions over the period 1970-2016.
(Philip Vermeulen)
Through what channels does monetary policy affect firm investment? In this project the heterogeneity of the reaction of firm investment to monetary policy shocks is used to identify the different channels through which monetary policy operates
(Niven Winchester)
Development of an economy-wide model linked to a distributional impacts module to evaluate climate policies. The tool suite will be used by the Climate Change Commission and other government agencies to recommend policies to meet New Zealand’s climate goals
Prominent recent publications
The School of Economics also operates a Working Paper Series that publishes research by staff and postgraduate students in the School and the NZWI.
We have extensive connections with international and domestic institutions. Significant collaborations and engagements include:
Malliga Rassu
School Co-ordinator
Phone: +64 9 921 9999 ext 5057
malliga.rassu@aut.ac.nz