Diana Russell

Since joining BERL in 2023, Diana has led projects utilising large datasets in the Statistics New Zealand Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) to evidence education outcomes and population change. Her areas of expertise at BERL also includes Social Return on Investment, international regulations and operating models, and helping organisations and government agencies develop an evidence base for their economic impact.

Before joining BERL, she co-authored the Alternative Economic Strategy for New Zealand, as well as the Inflation and Incomes Act, which provides a plan forward for governments to address long-term inflation while increasing the disposable incomes of working people. She also developed a Minimum Wage to Housing Index, which looks at how many hours a minimum wage worker must work to meet rents in New Zealand. Diana’s Master's thesis investigated a natural experiment created by a 2018 policy change to student loan living costs, student allowance, and accommodation benefits to estimate whether this policy has impacted rents.

Diana's skills:

• Experience using statistical analysis software including SAS and Stata and experience with the IDI 
• Data gathering, analysis, interpretation, and cost-benefit analysis 
• Research design and implementation, using integrative (qualitative and quantitative) research methodologies
• Stakeholder engagement and consultation, facilitating workshops across New Zealand
• Presenting economic research to public audiences and government ministers
• Policy development, including a strong understanding of the regulatory and legislative machinery of Government 
• A background in communication, journalism, publishing, and graphic design provides a unique ability to communicate complex information to a range of audiences.

Her experience includes:

• Workforce planning and job growth in Southern Auckland
• Retirement village operating models and regulations
• Economic impact of museums and galleries.