Andrew Gawith

As a founder and now managing director of Infometrics, the country's leading independent economic forecasting business - a company that's well known for its stimulating and often provocative views; respected for its independent economic advice; and its ability to communicate with businesses, Andrew has an extensive and deep knowledge of the New Zealand economy. Andrew graduated from Canterbury University in 1976 with a Masters degree in agricultural economics. He spent four years in London working as an economist for the National Farmers Union, before returning to New Zealand in 1981 and joining Gareth Morgan to first set up a horse-racing tip sheet "Bettor Informed", and then Infometrics. The range of clients and tasks covered include analysis of manufacturing, building, automotive, farming, transportation, electricity, trade policy, finance and retailing. Andrew's team of six economists deliver economic analysis and forecast services to leading New Zealand companies, banks and key government ministries including Treasury, NZTE and Labour. In 1992 Andrew, along with Infometrics principal Gareth Morgan, visited Australia at the invitation of SBC Dominguez Barry to present seminars on New Zealand's deregulation experience. This was to help their clients prepare for what was expected to be a new Hewson-led government. As part of that presentation he covered New Zealand's experience with GST. Developing and presenting avant-garde seminars to clients and business conferences is a major part of Andrew's work. Infometrics has built a reputation for identifying, and delivering succinctly, important themes that will influence future economic conditions.