Data Analytics

Providing Critical Insight

Our focus is providing our clients with the critical insights, evidence base and advice that they need to make complex decisions.

Our highly skilled data analytics team is made up of senior economists, modellers and forensic specialists with extensive global sector experience.

Our people relish working with complex datasets and undertaking sophisticated modelling.

We frequently extend beyond conventional methods to provide tailored analysis that is highly regarded for its trusted and consistent quality.

No bulk solutions are prepared here.

What we do

With respect to advisory work, we help our clients make better decisions by supplying the data, analysis and conceptual frameworks they need, customised to their specific challenges and contexts.

With respect to our forensic work, we help our clients to navigate disputes and investigations by delivering rigorous and thoroughly documented data analysis tailored to specific demands of each case.

The areas we are regularly called upon to provide data analysis and modelling include but are not limited to:

  • Forensic accounting:
    o class actions
    o investigations, including funds tracing and employee underpayment matters
    o dispute resolutions that involve large datasets and/or complex modelling.
  • Advisory:
    o Economic regulation
    o Health service planning
    o Investment planning
    o Energy market reforms
    o Natural resource management
    o Revenue regulation of network industry and critical infrastructure
    o Resource consents.

 

Helping you navigate complex requirements

Our state-of-the-art, highly secure cloud server can expand to meet any scale of data needs on demand, with access to tools such as SQL, R, Stata, Python, Power BI and Tableau.

Our clients know they can rely on our considerable experience in handling large-scale, highly sensitive data, with the confidence that we can help them navigate the most complex requirements.

Analytics

Our team’s blend of experience, a wide range of research expertise, exceptional analytical ability and industry-specific knowledge in public policy, forensic accounting, legal and regulatory frameworks enable us to deliver an exceptional service to our clients.

Modelling

Our modelling is relied on by government agencies, law firms, investors, regulators and private firms. Our services include a broad range of bespoke modelling and forecasting products, including:

  • Linking and analysis of large datasets;
  • Time series modelling and forecasting;
  • Linear and non-linear optimisation modelling;
  • Tariff and revenue modelling;
  • Micro-simulation modelling;
  • Risk analysis and risk prediction modelling;
  • Machine learning;
  • Bespoke modelling of local power systems, generator simulation, energy and ancillary service prices;
  • Bayesian network modelling;
  • Short and Long Run Marginal Cost (SRMC/LRMC) calculations;
  • Earnings at risk (EaR)/value at risk (VaR), risk-weighted price modelling;
  • Duration and survival modelling;
  • Customer or population segmentation;
  • Ex-post evaluation using causal inference/quasi-experimental methods (including propensity score matching, interrupted time series, difference-in-differences and event study methods); and
  • Data visualisation, including bespoke dashboards and interactive reports.

 

As independent consultants, we frequently extend beyond conventional methods to provide tailored analysis that is highly regarded for its trusted and consistent quality.

Examples of our work

Laptop displaying charts and graphs on the screen—such as a line graph, pie chart, and bar chart—for Funds Tracing. A mug, notebook, and small potted plant sit on a wooden desk in the background.

Funds Tracing

Our team supported a complex fraud investigation involving millions of transactions across more than 50 bank accounts. Using Python, we developed a bespoke funds-tracing model applying FIFO, Lowest Intermediate Balance Rule and pro-rata methodologies, with flexibility to test different assumptions as the investigation progressed.

Two computer monitors display data analysis charts, code, and a workflow used for Class Action Support. On the desk nearby, organised stacks of documents with data-related labels underscore the detailed and careful legal support required to manage complex class action litigation.

Class Action Support

We supported a class action matter involving millions of transaction records. Using Python and SQL, we developed an automated process to cleanse, standardise and categorise inconsistent data, creating a reliable dataset for loss analysis. Detailed documentation captured all data transformations steps and assumptions applied throughout the engagement.

Power lines span a river and rolling green hills at sunset, with a prominent dam in view. In front, a transparent glass panel showcases charts and numerical data related to finance or energy, visually emphasising risk management and the fusion of technology with infrastructure.

Quantifying the risk management benefits of hedging and integration

We modelled the payoff risk, using value-at-risk, of various portfolios of contracts (forwards and options) and plant assets that electricity market players may hold. The modelling involved a combination of microsimulation of half-hourly electricity loads and prices for a year, and non-linear optimisation to estimate and compare the minimal value-at-risk with different availability of risk management contracts or plant assets.

A petri dish containing a virus model rests on a laboratory bench alongside a microscope, test tubes, and glassware under bright lighting, emphasising ongoing research into HPV-related cancers and their financial impact in New Zealand.

Economic burden of HPV-related cancers in New Zealand

We conducted a prevalence-based cost-of-illness study of HPV-associated cancers in New Zealand. Using exact stratum matching, people diagnosed with HPV-associated cancers were compared with the remaining population across age, sex, ethnicity and deprivation. This ensured comparisons between demographically similar populations, reducing potential confounding and providing a robust basis for estimating the costs associated with HPV-related cancers.

A calculator, stethoscope, and pen lie atop financial statements featuring charts and tables, representing the connection between healthcare and analytical financial decision-making.

Data-driven primary care funding

Using nationwide data from 2.48 million patients across 469 general practices, Sapere applied multivariate regression modelling to identify drivers of healthcare use and develop improved capitation weights to better align primary care funding with patient need.

A multi-coloured stacked bar chart shows consistent growth each year from 2021 to 2024 as a result of comprehensive planning analysis. Displayed above the chart: “2.3M”, “98%” accompanied by a tick, and “6” next to a gold coin icon, highlighting key performance metrics.

Analysis of state-wide planning approval database

Analysis of a comprehensive state-wide database of planning related decisions to help identify bottlenecks and areas where decisions are being delayed. This involved collating and cleansing data from over 30 individual decision-making authorities and utility providers encompassing over 100,000 planning events. Project deliverables included the development of an interactive Power BI dashboard to visualise performance and trends over a four-year period.

Governance Framework and Regulatory Improvement

Design and delivery advisory for a program to reduce risk for a maritime regulator. Program design was based on development and agreement of a shared risk model between the regulator, port and industry stakeholders.

Implementation of the Victorian Business Acceleration Fund

Assisting the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance with the delivery of the Victorian Business Acceleration Fund which comprises nearly 100 individual projects aimed at reducing the cost of business and encouraging economic growth.

Major Government Infrastructure Program

Program design for a major, multi-year departmental change program, including development and implementation of required program controls.

Local Government Grants Program Governance Review

Review and recommended improvements to governance through the full lifecycle of grant program design, project selection and allocation through to delivery and benefits realisation.

Major Government Infrastructure Program

Program design for a major, multi-year departmental change program, including development and implementation of required program controls.

Sapere Good Governance Guide

Based on years of project and program assessment, assurance and delivery, the Sapere Good Governance Guide helps establish the right governance and decision making for major initiatives as a way of maximising success and avoiding common challenges that can lead to project failure.

Critical insight, evidence-based analysis and sophisticated modelling support, that is underpinned by objective, expert advice.

Key contacts

William Li

Sue Friend

David Moore

Some of our recent articles of interest