TDB extends a warm welcome to two new staff members, Ben Shen and Matthew Barry.

Ben grew up in Shanghai and moved to New Zealand when he was 15. He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Auckland where he published his thesis: Three essays on economic growth, focusing on economic growth in China during the post-reform period. In addition to his PhD, Ben has a Master of Science in Economics and a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Ben joins us from the Ministry of Social Development, where he played a key role in forecasting three benefit payments and utilising the Effective Marginal Tax Rate Model. We are excited to have Ben on board and look forward to his contributions.

Matt joins the Wellington office full-time as a Senior Analyst, following an extensive contracting period with TDB. Prior to this, he worked in corporate finance roles at Quod London, BNZ and the National Australia Bank; the Treasury’s Economic Research and Analysis team and the CCO department of the Wellington City Council. Outside of work, he is passionate about film, writing, philosophy and novel technologies. We are thrilled to have Matt on board and look forward to his contributions.

With a heavy heart, TDB also extends a farewell to Senior Analyst George Nelson who has been with us for 8 years. Undertaking research on firm-level AI strategy, George has just completed an MBA at Waseda University and will be continuing his career in Tokyo. George will be missed at TDB for his creative flair and analytical skills, and missed by Digest readers for his popular haiku.