Economic Development

Driving Resilient Economic Growth

Sapere has a deep understanding of all aspects of economic development. Our team has vast experience in the development of complex plans, strategies and analytical pieces.

We are recognised as a respected and trusted authority in the field, known for providing actionable intelligence that stands up to scrutiny.

What we do

As part of our service delivery, we prepare all types of economic development materials for every level of government. 

Our team also prepares business cases and cost-benefit analyses for regionally significant projects and supporting analyses, such as trend and scenario reports of industry sectors.

 

Examples of our work in economic development
  • Assistance in identifying industry sectors where a local authority has a comparative advantage and providing advice on how to further develop specialisations
  • Significant input into major pieces of work in Māori economic development for the Māori Economic Taskforce, iwi and other agencies
  • Assessment of the regional economic impacts of transport projects, events, tourism initiatives, and other government policies across a range of sectors including justice, education and social assistance
  • Assistance with the preparation of economic development plans in Auckland, Bay of Plenty, and Wellington
  • Industry strategies to promote economic development in primary industries such as the seafood, wool, and aquaculture sectors.
Our experts are highly regarded for their important contributions to the theory and practice of economic development in both Australasia and Asia.
A close-up of an open hand holding roasted coffee beans, positioned over a container filled with more coffee beans. The background is slightly blurred, highlighting the focus on the hand and the beans, symbolizing the economic development brought about by the thriving coffee industry.

Key contacts
Preston Davies
David Graham
David Moore
Sally Carrick
William Li

Some of our recent articles of interest

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How cultural heritage can act as an engine for regional growth

In this article Dr Jamie O'Hare explains how cultural heritage drives regional tourism, economic impact, and community-led development in New Zealand.
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Estimating the value of Healthline

  • Client: Whakarongorau Aotearoa / New Zealand Telehealth
Sapere’s analysis shows Healthline delivers substantial net value by reducing pressure on higher-cost parts of New Zealand’s health system.
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Can New Zealand rethink aged care to meet the needs of the future?

  • Client: Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
New Zealand’s aged care system faces rising demand, funding gaps, and workforce shortages; urgent reform is needed to ensure sustainable, equitable, and affordable future care.
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Is New Zealand’s capitation formula still fit for purpose?

  • Client: Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
Sapere’s modelling for Te Whatu Ora updates New Zealand’s capitation formula, using richer data to better align primary care funding with real patient and community needs.
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Shaky ground or solid progress?

  • Client: Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment
In this report Sapere evaluated MBIE’s earthquake-prone building system, finding improved national consistency and progress but ongoing challenges with resources, communication, and timely remediation.
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Social Return on Investment (SROI) of a mental health helpline

  • Client: Whakarongorau Aotearoa / New Zealand Telehealth
Sapere was asked to undertake an SROI of a mental healthline, finding the service delivers a 9:1 return, demonstrating substantial societal and health system value across diverse user needs.
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Powering the future: Key challenges and insights for New Zealand’s energy market

The article highlights New Zealand’s energy challenges, emphasising the need for secure, reliable electricity amidst decarbonisation, market uncertainty, and regulatory reform to support long-term investment and energy security.
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The economic impact of the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Australian finance industry

  • Client: Australian Finance Industry Association
This report explores how AI adoption in Australian finance could add $48.9B to GDP by 2035 through productivity gains.
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