Diana Russell

Prior to coming to BERL in 2023, Diana’s research had a strong focus on labour markets, housing, welfare, and economic equality. She co-authored Alternative Economic Strategy for New Zealand, platforming the voices of working people alongside current economic challenges and policy recommendations. She also co-authored the Inflation and Incomes Act, which provides a plan for governments to address long-term inflation while increasing the disposable incomes of working people. She has led research and policy development on the future of work for women in Aotearoa and developed a framework for “good work” as part of a tripartite working group.

Diana’s Master’s thesis used Statistics New Zealand’s Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) to investigate a natural experiment created by a 2018 policy change to student loan living costs, student allowance, and accommodation benefits, and to estimate whether this policy impacted rents. She also developed a Minimum Wage to Housing Index, which looks at how many hours a minimum wage worker must work in order to meet median and lower quantile rents in New Zealand.

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.

In her spare time, Diana enjoys volunteering her graphic design skills, doing DIY renovations around the house, and getting out in nature for some exercise.