Economists analyse data, model economic systems, and advise NZ government agencies, businesses, and research institutions on policy, markets, and financial decisions. Strong quantitative skills are highly valued.
Talk to a licensed NZ immigration adviser about your Economist visa pathway.
Get Free Assessment →This is an ANZSCO Skill Level 3 occupation, qualifying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) with up to 5 years duration. After 2 years of NZ work experience you can apply for Skilled Migrant Category residence.
Economists in New Zealand research and analyse economic trends, model policy impacts, evaluate investment decisions, and advise organisations on market dynamics. Key employers include government agencies (Treasury, Reserve Bank of NZ, Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment, Productivity Commission), Crown Research Institutes (Motu, NZIER), universities, major banks (ANZ, Westpac, ASB, BNZ), and consulting firms. New Zealand's relatively small but sophisticated economic research community values both applied microeconomic and macroeconomic skills. Economists with data science, R, Python, or econometrics skills are particularly sought-after.
Salaries are based on NZ market data. Regional and rural positions may offer allowances, relocation support, and retention bonuses in addition to base salary.
Source: Immigration NZ Operational Manual (WA3.16) — updated 9 March 2026
Yes. Economist (ANZSCO 224211) is ANZSCO Skill Level 1, qualifying for a 5-year AEWV. You need a job offer from an INZ-accredited employer paying at least NZ$35.00/hr. Most economist roles in NZ exceed this threshold.
NZ employers value applied quantitative skills above pure theory — particularly econometrics, cost-benefit analysis, and data analysis using R, Python, or Stata. Policy-relevant applied microeconomics and macroeconomic modelling are the most sought-after specialisms. Data science crossover skills are increasingly important.
Yes — NZ Treasury, Reserve Bank, MBIE, and the Productivity Commission regularly recruit internationally. NZ's major banks (ANZ, ASB, Westpac, BNZ) all have research economics teams. Crown Research Institutes (Motu Research, NZIER) offer research-focused roles. Competition economics, infrastructure economics, and environmental economics are growth areas.
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