People
NZWRI has a core team of 20 members who front our deliverables. NZWRI also has a strong membership of over 70 research experts across five research groups. Together we produce research which is relevant to policy makers in business, government and the community.
Meet the team

Gail has considerable experience leading funded projects involving both academic and industry collaborations.

Jarrod has tribal affiliations of Ngati Maniapoto and Ngati Mahuta. His expertise lies with quantitative research.

Lisa’s experience spans international governmental organisations, the NZ public sector and economic consulting.

Alex's research interests comprise labour economics and social welfare.

Kabir’s research involves health and labour economics, applied econometrics and policy analysis.

Thomas' research interests comprise health, family, and labour economics.

Leon’s research interests include family economics, child development, and Pacific health and well-being.

Chris’ specialities include the economics of education, labour economics and more generally applied microeconomics.

Katherine’s expertise includes care/work regimes, gender and employee wellbeing, and inequality, power and voice at work.

Marcus’ research and teaching themes lie at the nexus of wellbeing and performance, entrepreneurship and HRM.

Erling’s teaching and research interests are comparative employment relations, with a special interest in the effects of public policy changes.

Antonio leads the World Internet Project (NZ) longitudinal survey which analyses the attitudes toward the internet and its usage in New Zealand.

Marjo leads the Map of Meaningful Work project, which creates a holistic development survey to guide meaningful work, lives and societies.

Mary works in the areas of labour economics, behavioural economics and life-course econometric modelling.
Email: mary.hedges@aut.ac.nz

Tony was formerly at the New Zealand Treasury where he led the development of the Living Standards Framework. He is now a freelance writer and consultant.
Email: tony.burton@aut.ac.nz


Research Officer
Livvy contributes to a range of research projects. She works remotely from Wellington.
Email: livvy.mitchell@aut.ac.nz


Tamara looks after the day-to-day running of NZWRI. She works every day except Tuesdays.
Email: tamara.tesolin@aut.ac.nz

Institute Administrator, Research Assistant
Douglas assists with the running of NZWRI and contributes to a range of research projects. His work days are Monday – Thursday.
Email: douglas.yee@aut.ac.nz
Who we work with
Our team consists of a number of researchers, associates and project advisors.
Q+A with the team
We sat down with our members to ask questions about their career and what they enjoy doing to unwind in their spare time.