Economics consultancy reflects on four decades of insight
Economics consultancy Infometrics is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024. Established during a turbulent economic period in New Zealand, the company has evolved into a prominent advisor for a range of stakeholders, including public sector leaders, businesses, and local councils.
Brad Olsen (pictured), chief executive and principal economist at Infometrics, has reflected on the company’s role and impact. “Infometrics is a trusted advisor to decision-makers, public sector leaders, businesses, local councils, economic development agencies, the public, and more,” Olsen stated. “We call the economy how we see it—without fear nor favour.”
Providing constant information as markets shift
Founded in 1984 by Gareth Morgan and Andrew Gawith, Infometrics is a source of independent economic analysis and advice. Over the decades, the company has navigated through significant economic events, including the 1987 stock market crash, the Asian Financial Crisis, the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release.
Olsen highlighted the changes in the New Zealand economy since Infometrics’ inception. “The New Zealand economy today is fundamentally different from what it looked like in 1984,” he said. “Manufacturing has become a smaller share of the economy, and business services have risen in prominence. What hasn’t changed is the need to keep across changing economic trends and ensure that decisions are made with the best information available.”
The company has witnessed significant shifts in the workforce and economic structure over the past four decades. The New Zealand workforce has nearly doubled, increasing from 1.48 million people in 1984 to 2.94 million in 2024. The female employment rate has also risen from 48% to 64%. However, some challenges have intensified, particularly in housing affordability. House prices have surged to 15 times higher than in 1984, while incomes have only increased sixfold, Olsen noted.
Steadfast support for clients
“We’re proud of the work Infometrics does to support clients across New Zealand with high-quality data, clear communication, and robust independent analysis,” said Chris Whelan, independent board chair of Infometrics.
“We’re focused on building on the hard work undertaken over the past four decades, so that our clients get the best information on the economy, what it means for them, and what might be next,” said Olsen. “We’ll continue to pursue our goal of ‘economics put simply’, and telling people what they need to know, not just what they want to hear.”
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