Archive of Economics news (2011 - 2017)
2017 Economics news
1 August 2017 - Omoniyi Alimi, Doctoral Student, Economics - Congratulations to Niyi for his research work and paper on ageing and income inequality in New Zealand which was awarded the 2017 Stats NZ Jacoby prize for best report on a New Zealand related population topic. The full paper can be found here- https://lnkd.in/g69B_R7.
3 July 2017 - Prof John Gibson, Professor of Economics and Honorary Prof Scott Rozelle have been appointed to the Advisory Board of the Centre of Chinese Agricultural Policy, Chinese Academy of Sciences ... more.
26 May 2017 - Prof Frank Scrimgeour, Professor of Economics provides his thoughts on Steven Joyce's first budget as Finance Minister to the Waikato Times .. more.
31 March 2017 - Chayse Gorton, Market Analyst with research company, IDC and economics graduate of the University of Waikato was in the news today, discussing the competitive New Zealand smartphone market and the launching of new devices (Samsung, Huawei and Oppo) into the New Zealand marketplace.
31 March 2017 - Mark Wilson, CEO, Aviva is to receive a much deserved Distinguished Alumni Award at the Gallagher Performing Arts this evening. Mark, born in Rotorua, is a graduate of the Waikato Management School, which he attended on an economics scholarship in the late 80's. We were fortunate to have Mark visit with our ECON309/409 class and talk to them about global issues and then answer questions the students had about global business, sustainable development and entrepreneurship. Mark was named in the Sunday Times (UK) 2016 list of Britain’s most influential people and was awarded UK New Zealander of the Year in 2016. In January 2017 Mark was listed in Debrett’s 500 List as one of the most influential people in finance.
13 February 2017 - Dr Leo Krippner, Senior Advisor, Economics Department, Reserve Bank and economics graduate of University of Waikato, received the 2017 Central Banking's award for economics. This is an international award which recognised the work that Leo has been doing in term structure modelling which has assisted central bank policy makers in the tracking the effects of unconventional policies. More info ...
2016 Economics news
26 April 2016 - Professor of Environmental Economics, Graeme Doolewas interviewed by Radio NZ and the NZ Herald on water quality and growing sirloin in the lab!
25 April 2016 - Professor in Economics, Les Oxley (University of Waikato) and Evan Roberts (University of Minnesota) were interviewed on Radio NZ about the Measuring the Anzacs project. Since a soft launch in October 2015, the project’s website has been visited by more than 10,000 citizen scientists, and more than half a million fields of data have been classified. The project has taken nearly 4 million images of New Zealand soldiers’ personnel files from World War I and the South African War, and made them accessible on a public website that allows people to transcribe the records into a database of demographic information.
Recent publicity has included 6pm stories on One News and TV3 News, the BBC and Newshub.
31 March 2016 - Tim Chittock, Economics and Law student, University of Waikato cycled around India in a world record time (yet to be officially confirmed by the Guiness Book of World Records). Tim commenced his journey in New Delhi on 21 February and cycled the Indian Golden Quadrilateral - 6000km! finishing on 22 March recording a time of 23 days and 20 hours .. read more.
10 March 2016 - WMS celebrates 2015 staff achievements
At a special School morning tea, Acting Dean Emeritus Professor Deborah Willis presented awards to three Department of Economics staff members in recognition of research excellence, postgraduate supervision, and general administrative excellence.
Outstanding Emerging Scholar Award
Economics’ Dr Gazi Hassan received the Outstanding Emerging Scholar award.
This Award recognised the quality of his empirical research and publications on the impacts of remittances and economic growth. Gazi's research is particularly important for developing countries including India, China, Philippines and Mexico.
Postgraduate Supervision Excellence Award
Economics’ Professor Riccardo Scarpa received the Postgraduate Supervision Excellence award.
Ric was recognised for achievements as a PhD supervisor, the quality of his PhD students, the impact of their thesis research topics, the careers of his graduates, and his approach to supervision and development of new researchers.
General Staff Excellence Award
Economics’ long serving Administration Manager Maria Fitzgerald
Maria received the General Staff Excellence Award recognising her significant contribution to the School, demonstrating a consistent focus on excellence, efficiency and student welfare.
2015 Economics news
23 October 2015 - Our very own Prof Ric Scarpa, Professor of Environmental Economics, has been awarded the 2015
Dean's Award for Postgraduate Supervision Excellence . This award recognises Ric’s achievements as a PhD supervisor, the quality of his PhD students, the impact of their thesis research topics, the careers of his graduates, as well his approach to supervision and development of new researchers. This Award will be celebrated as part of the Waikato Management School Dean’s annual award celebratory morning tea, which normally takes place in March. Ric will also be the School's nominee for the University of Waikato Postgraduate Supervision Excellence Award. Congratulations to Ric and also congratulations to Ric's Economics doctoral students and their achievements that have contributed to this Award for Ric, along with their co-Supervisors.
2 October 2015 - Peter Churchouse, University of Waikato Economics Major was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award at the Academy of Performing Arts. Peter is based in Hong Kong and is an authority in Asia with regards to real estate and investment opportunities. Whilst in New Zealand Peter was interviewed on Radio New Zealand.
25 September 2015 - Dr Arthur Grimes, MOTU and Honorary Professor with the Department of Economics and Waikato Alumnist (ECON major), presented a well attended seminar hosted by the Department of Economics and the School of Maori and Pacific Development at the Waikato Management School, entitled "Belief in a Just World: New Zealand Maori and other Ethnicities Compared" based on a working paper from his recent co-research into differences in beliefs held by different cultures and ethnicities which may affect their economic prosperity. The Seminar was followed by extensive, interesting and engaging discussion that was enjoyed by all that attended.
21 August 2015 - We are pleased to advise that Professor Graeme Doole, Department of Economics, has been appointed as a Chair in Environmental Economics. It is envisaged that in this role, Graeme will assist in the effective development of water quality policies. The position is being co-funded by the Ministry for the Environment and the University of Waikato. Sponsored Chairs are an important way for the University to receive external support and recognition for our research. Representatives from the Ministry for the Environment joined University and Department of Economics staff at a small event on Friday, 21 August to mark the funding of this role at the University. Congratulations to Graeme on this appointment.
17 August 2015 - Dr Gazi Hassan, Senior Lecturer with the Department of Economics, was recently asked for his comments by the Waikato Times, about the repercussions of rising prices due to the falling NZ dollar. Dr Hassan felt that this could lead consumers to seek alternative markets for purchase of goods, such as online sites like TradeMe and second hand options ... >> read more
11 August 2015 - Prof Les Oxley, Professor of Economics, University of Waikato
... is seeking assistance from YOU and those interested in World War 1 history to help transcribe and index more than 100,000 digital copies of files which are currently being held by Archives New Zealand ... more
This is one of the biggest crowdsourcing projects undertaken in New Zealand and will create a valuable war history resource for future generations. It will be launched in mid-August at Zooniverse.org.
1 June 2015 - Waikato economics alumnus Dr Eric Hansen has been appointed Director of GlobalDairyTrade .. more
30 May 2015 - There has been a call to address the need for more graduates in the agribusiness sector - St Paul's Collegiate, Hamilton, is listening to the demands of parents, asking for an agribusiness curriculum at NCEA level which can lead on to tertiary study ... more
15 May 2015 - Congratulations to BMS (Agribusiness) student Jack Keeys on being awarded a horticultural scholarship ... more
11 May 2015 - Research shows that during your early teens is a good time to learn about money. Dr Michael Cameron, Senior Lecturer with the Department of Economics talks about the financial literacy of teenagers ... more
1 May 2015 - Dr Dan Marsh, Chairperson of Economics and Senior Lecturer in environmental economics is a guest on the Sustainable Lens - Resilience on Radio - "Economics is not the bad guy in sustainability". Economics and Sustainability are about the allocation of scarce resource and unlimited human wants .. more
24 April 2015 - Professor Jacqueline Rowarth, Agribusiness Unit discusses food production education, celebrating successes and NZ's rockstar lifestyle, with Rural News and the NBR ....
Professor Jacqueline Rowarth says schools should teach food production
Professor Jacqueline Rowarth says it’s time to celebrate social progress
Professor Jacqueline Rowarth ... NZ has a ‘rockstar’ lifestyle – thanks to farming
11 April 2015 - George Bridgewater, past student of Economics at Waikato, and NZ Olympic rower, talks about his new role running a health food business, The Pure Food Co., what it means to him, why he believes in it and how he fits this around his training.
10 April 2015 - Professor Jacqueline Rowarth, Agribusiness Unit, shares her views on issues affecting the Waikato and the New Zealand farming community as a whole, over the past week ....
Professor Jacqueline Rowarth comments on farmers moving from Fonterra
Professor Jacqueline Rowarth on farming water
Professor Jacqueline Rowarth on falling dairy prices and call for change to government to change dairy legislation
Professor Jacqueline Rowarth on new Landcorp brand
Professor Jacqueline Rowarth mentioned in Parliamentary question by Winston Peters re Fonterra - on the link scroll down to ..
"Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Act—Impact
4. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) to the Minister for Primary Industries : ..."
27 March 2015 - Professor John Gibson, Professor in Economics, University of Waikato, one of many economists looking at how to end poverty
Professor John Gibson has been commissioned by the Copenhagen Consensus Centre, as one of 60 plus expert economists to look at the costs and benefits of various options to make the world a better place for all. Read more ....
27 March 2015 - EU quota changes shouldn’t affect NZ says EU diplomat visiting UoW Michalis Rokas - Comments from Professor Jacqueline Rowarth, Professor in Agribusiness. Read more ....
23 March 2015 - Dr Dan Marsh - Seminar Presentation at Café Scientifique, Tauranga - "Economics can help us achieve a more sustainable New Zealand"
Dr Dan Marsh, environmental economist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Waikato, presented a Seminar to an audience of over 100 people at the Café Scientifique on Monday, 23 March. The Seminar was entitled "Economics can help us achieve a more sustainable New Zealand". More info >>>
Café Scientifique are regular hosts to topical Seminar Speakers, especially in the areas of environmental economics and biodiversity.
Dr Marsh is a member of the Environmental Research Institute and his research interests involve the economics of water quality and non-market valuation. He is particularly interested in helping policy makers to understand both the costs and the benefits of changes in the quality of environmental and natural resources as they develop environmental policies and regulations.
13 March 2015 - Professor Jacqueline Rowarth, Agribusiness Unit - in the news this week regarding the 1080 threat ..
RadioNZ: Professor Jacqueline Rowarth describes threat to poison formula as economic terrorism
RadioLive: Duncan Garner interviews Professor Jacqueline Rowarth on milk powder/1080 threat
Waikato Times: Opinion piece on finding 1080 terrorist, mentions Professor Jacqueline Rowarth.
6 March 2015 - AProf Graeme Doole - Water rules create fresh challenge
AProf Graeme Doole is asked for his views on the economic impact of nutrient limits which are now being implemented throughout the country and how this will present a new challenge for farmers. Read more ..
26 February 2015 - Successful defence of Economics Doctoral Thesis
Congratulations to Lena Mkwara who successfully defended her doctoral thesis on Thursday, 26 February. During her doctoral studies Lena was involved with several external research projects with both local government and national agencies in the area of water quality. Lena's supervisors, Prof Ric Scarpa and Dr Dan Marsh, and the Department of Economics are very proud of Lena's achievements over the last four years. We wish her every success in her future career choices.
11 February 2015 - Economics students awarded prizes at the 59th AARES Conference
Congratulations to Mark Calderwood and Yvonne Phillips (Matthews) who both received awards at the Conference Dinner of the 59th AARES Conference in Rotorua. Mark was awarded the Undergraduate Prize for New Zealand for his piece of research on "A study of targeted land-use stakeholders: Drivers of decision-making and requirements for decision support tools". Congratulations should also go to Mark's supervisor, AProf Graeme Doole. Yvonne received the Heading West Young Professionals Exchange Travel Award for her quality doctoral research and collaboration. Well done to her supervisors, Dr Dan Marsh and Prof Riccardo Scarpa.
10-13 February 2015 - 59th AARES Conference, Rotorua - Department of Economics made their presence felt
The Department of Economics was well represented at the recently held AARES Conference in Rotorua. Six current doctoral students presented papers at the Conference, along with three post doctoral students, and several members of the department staff including Prof Frank Scrimgeour and Dr Dan Marsh, who were both on the Local Organising Committee for the Conference. Prof Les Oxley was the invited Key Note Speaker for the close of the Conference where he spoke on "Have the economies of the world been sustainably increasing wellbeing? How would we know, and what do the results tell us about the future?". This address was very well received and induced much discussion following. AProf Graeme Doole was also invited to speak at the conference in a special session, presenting a well attended paper on "Farming within limits: Lessons from life and loss in New Zealand agriculture". Further details about the AARES Conference can be found on their website.
2014 Economics news
October 2014 - Prof David Bloom visits with the University of Waikato
During the month of October, the Department of Economics was privileged to host Professor David Bloom in our department. David was visiting with the University, at the invitation of the DVC, as a Distinguished Visiting Professor. Prof Bloom is the Clarence James Gamble Professor of Economics and Demography in the Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health.
Prof David Bloom (on left) with Hon Bill English, Minister of Finance
During his visit David presented several seminars which were all very well attended and he also met with local government, district health boards, economics students and visited with Treasury, MOTU and the Reserve Bank in Wellington. Prof Bloom also met for a discussion with the Hon Bill English, the Finance Minister whilst in Wellington. Since his visit to the University of Waikato, Prof Bloom has continued to retain contact with many of the students in the department in a mentoring capacity and he has also become involved in research collaboration with a number of the department staff.
9 September 2014 - Prof Les Oxley - Dean's Award for Research Excellence
Congratulations to Professor Les Oxley who has been awarded the 2014 Waikato Management School Research Excellence Award. Les lectures in Macroeconomics for the Department of Economics, WMS and also supervises doctoral students and Masters students. For further information with regards to Les' publications and research activities click here >>>
2013 Economics news
Professor Jacques Poot, Professor of Population Economics with NIDEA and also the Department of Economics, Waikato Management School received the NZIER Economics Award at a dinner held on Thursday, 29 August 2013. It was noted that "Professor Poot's work has attracted worldwide interest and he is one of the most cited economists internationally in his field". Professor Poot lectures papers in Urban and Regional Economics and Economics of Human Resources and Public Policy at the University of Waikato.
16 August 2013 - KuDos Awards - Congratulations to finalist, Dr Graeme Doole
The KuDos Awards are an annual acknowledgement and celebration of excellence in science in the Waikato. We are delighted to congratulate Dr Graeme Doole, Senior Lecturer with the Department of Economics on being named as a finalist in the Hamilton City Council Emerging Scientist category. The Awards will be decided at a dinner being held on 26 September.
2012 Economics news
On Thursday, 29 November we welcome Economics Teachers from around the Waikato/Taranaki/BOP Area for a Teachers Professional Development Day
The Department of Economics is hosting the 2012 Economics Teachers Professional Development Day on Thursday 29 November. This brings together Economics Teachers from Secondary Schools in the Waikato, Taranaki and BOP areas for a day of discussion and presentations by some of the Department's Professors and Senior Lecturers, giving economics teachers an insight into research areas of the department, into topics and issues that the department is covering in it's papers and to enable teachers to prepare and encourage their secondary school economics students, and to assist them with their teaching content and information. We have found these development days to be very beneficial to both the teachers and the Department and we are confident that this year's day will be just as rewarding for all involved.
5 November 2012 - Professor Riccardo Scarpa
Congratulations to Professor Riccardo Scarpa, of the Department of Economics, who has been appointed by the Italian Government, as the OECD representative on the committee that screens candidates for access to all new positions of full Professor and Associate Professor in Public Economics in Italy, during the next 4 years. This is a great honour for Professor Scarpa and will involve considerable work. We are delighted to advise that Professor Scarpa will, during this time, also be lecturing papers over A Semester 2013 for the Department of Economics.
30 October 2012 - Primary Magazine - The Future of Farming
Dr Dan Marsh, Chairperson of the Department of Economics and also Senior Lecturer in the area of Natural and Resource Economics, was recently featured in the November/December edition of the Primary Magazine. Dan spoke on the quantity and quality of water for farming and the various systems for allocating nitrogen leaching limits. He also spoke on the Natural Capital Approach which is currently being proposed by some regions and questioned whether this is the right way to go. The article is on pages 30 and 31 of Issue 07. If you would like to learn more about this magazine and various articles that have been featured recently, please check this link.
24 October 2012 - Th3sis in 3
Congratulations to Department of Economics Doctoral Student, Alexey Kravchenko, on being awarded second place at the recently held Th3sis in 3 competition held at the Academy of Performing Arts on 24 October. The Th3sis in 3 competition allowed doctoral students, who are currently enrolled at the University of Waikato, to present a three minute overview of their doctoral research topic which is then judged by an esteemed panel. This event happens each year in October, as part of the University's Postgraduate Month. The winner of the Th3sis in 3 goes on to represent the University at the Australasian competition.
11 September 2012 - Re:think Spring Edition
Three Department of Economics Researchers, Professor John Gibson, Dr Michael Cameron and Dr Halahingano Rohorua are featured in the latest edition of the Re:think. The articles highlight John and Hala's research, Pacific Island - New Zealand Migration Study which looks at the impacts of migration, and Dr Cameron's research into the impact of liquor outlets on communities. Dr Cameron's recent research on the impact of liquor outlets in Manukau City is covered below in a 21 March news item.
Re:think is published twice over the year and it's purpose is to better inform the community about entrepreneurship, innovation and research happening at the University of Waikato.
10 September 2012: Kudos Science Awards
Congratulations to Dr Graeme Doole, Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics, who has been named amongst the finalists for the Kudos Science Awards. This award is designed to raise the profile of science and scientists in the region. Graeme is a finalist in the Hamilton City Council Emerging Scientist category. The Awards Dinner will take place on 27 September.
30 July 2012: New book release on China's Energy Economy
Congratulations to Professor Les Oxley, Department of Economics on a new book release:Ma, H and Oxley, L (2012) China’s Energy Economy: Situation, Reforms, Behavior and Energy Intensity, Springer: Heidelberg, 270pgs.
Abstract:
In the new millennium, understanding China's energy economy is crucial for politicians, business people and energy economists, as China's energy policy choices will mean both challenges and opportunities for the world in terms of an increasing share of primary energy consumption and investment. This book initially reviews the literature on China's energy economy and in so doing reveals that many important areas have been overlooked or are outdated in their coverage. Given the size of China and its global importance, the book then reviews China's current energy situation and fills the gaps in the literature for those who are interested in and concerned about China's economic development and energy reform in the new millennium.
The book is different from previous studies in several important ways: Firstly, it presents recent, pioneering research rather than a simple textbook, several sections of which have been published in high-quality energy journals. Secondly, the book first subdivides China's energy intensity change into aspects of budget constraint, technological change, factor substitution, energy demand and economic growth using a newly developed econometric approach. Thirdly, it provides many new and different econometric findings and derives many new policy implications for China's energy economy. And lastly, it brings to light a wealth of new knowledge for those who are interested in China's energy economy, the world energy market and global environmental and climate change issues.
5 July 2012: Waikato ranked top economics institution in NZ
As at 5 July, the Department of Economics was ranked as the top New Zealand economics institution for research by RePEc. We also have a number of the top individual researchers in the country, with Professor John Gibson ranked second. See here for further details.
2 July 2012: New research grant on financial literacy among high school students
Congratulations to Dr Michael Cameron and Dr Steven Lim, who along with Dr Richard Calderwood (Faculty of Education) and Professor Michio Yamaoka (Waseda University, Japan), have received a University of Waikato Research Trust Contestable Fund grant. The $3000 grant will support their research project "Aspects of financial literacy among High School Students in Hamilton, New Zealand".
27 June 2012: Fulbright Science and Innovation Graduate Award
Congratulations to economics and finance student and economics tutor Kendon Bell on winning a Fulbright Science and Innovation Graduate Award. The award contributes up to US$25,000 plus travel to allow Kenny to study in the United States. Kenny will be commencing a PhD at the University of California - Davis. Congratulations Kenny!
27 April 2012: Riccardo Scarpa ranked 28th most influential author in environmental and ecological economics
A recent article in the journal Ecological Economics has ranked Professor Riccardo Scarpa the 28th most influential author in the field of environmental and ecological economics over the period 2000-2009. Ric had three articles that were ranked among the most influential articles in the field over that period, with his top-ranked article at #30. Given that over 6500 studies were included in the ranking exercise, this represents a highly significant achievement. Well done Ric!
21 March 2012: Research on impact of liquor outlets in Manukau
Michael Cameron's research on the impacts of liquor outlets in Manukau City has been in the media again this week, with the formal release of the final reports by the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand. Michael was interviewed by Lynn Freeman on Nine to Noon on Radio New Zealand, talking about this research, and a follow-up project on liquor outlet impacts across the North Island.
28 February 2012:
Professor Les Oxley's Marsden-funded research on body mass index as a measure of wellbeing has been in the news recently. See reports on the Stuff and NZ Herald websites.
2011 Economics news
2 December 2011:
The Department of Economics ran a successful Professional Development Day for 26 secondary school economics teachers on Thursday 1 December.
14 November 2011:
Congratulations to Rachelle Earwaker, who won the University of Waikato Department of Economics Prize for the top economics student at Tauranga Girls' College, and to Ryan Smith, who won the same prize at Tauranga Boys' College.