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The Spatial Impact of Local Infrastructural Investment in New Zealand

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Publication Year: 2010

Abstract

In this paper we estimate the impact of local authority infrastructure spending in New Zealand using spatial econometric modeling, with the infrastructure spending itself endogenously determined. Utilizing data from the New Zealand Census and Local Authorities Finance data (1991-2008), aggregated to functional labor market areas, we formulate a simultaneous equations growth model of real income, population, land rent and public infrastructure investment. Estimation is conducted using a spatial 3SLS procedure. We find that an increase in local infrastructure spending increases population growth, real income and land values, but is itself endogenous and spatially correlated.

Citation

Cochrane, William, Arthur Grimes, Philip McCann & Jacques Poot. "The Spatial Impact of Local Infrastructural Investment in New Zealand". Paper presented to North American Regional Science Conference, November 2009.

Motu code: MYS0179

JEL codes: H54, J21, R12