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About Motu

One of the meanings of Motu is “island.”
Our research rises above
uninformed debate.

We help Kiwi decision makers grapple with complex social and environmental issues with world class economic and public policy research.

Motu (named after Taputeranga: the island in Island Bay, Wellington) is New Zealand’s leading economic research institute. It is in top 10 global climate think tanks.

Motu is independent and never advocates an expressed ideology or political position. A not-for-profit and charitable trust, Motu is founded on the belief that sound public policy depends on rigorous research, accompanied by well-informed and reasoned debate.

Check out a one page explanation of Motu in English or Spanish.

People

Motu Research is the top-ranked economics organisation in Aotearoa New Zealand. Motu is also among the top 10 climate think tanks globally. This is all because of the quality of our researchers. Read more

Supporting Motu

Making a donation to Motu is an investment in the productivity and sustainability of New Zealand, and in the well-being of our people. Read more

Objectives

Motu was established to promote well informed and reasoned debate on public policy issues relevant to decision making. Read more

Capacity Building

One of Motu’s founding motivations is capacity building. We remain committed to improving the quality of economic research. Read more

Working at Motu

Motu Research offers opportunities for experienced researchers and those just starting their careers. Read more

Our story

Motu was first dreamed up at Harvard University in the early 1990s, when a group of Kiwi graduate students discussed a vision to return to New Zealand and dedicate themselves full-time to independent public policy research. Read more

Contact Us

We are always happy to hear from people. Whether you'd like to discuss our work or meet with us to collaborate on a project, please be in touch. Read more

Events section

Information about Motu events, including Public Policy Seminars. Our seminars are a forum for informed debate on important social, economic and public policy issues.

We help well-informed, reasoned debate happen on issues that matter to the people of Aotearoa New Zealand. Read more

News

Motu researchers provide high quality, relevant research that often makes the news. Read more

Staff honours & awards

Our people are highly recognised in their field. See this page for a summary of awards and honours our fellows have received. Read more