The Agribusiness and Economics Research Unit (AERU) exercises leadership in research for sustainable wellbeing.

About

The AERU vision is to produce and deliver new knowledge that promotes sustainable wellbeing. It also aims to be a cheerful and vibrant workplace where senior and emerging researchers are working together. The AERU was founded by the New Zealand Cabinet in 1962 and is externally funded.

Professor Caroline Saunders has been AERU Director since December 2001. She leads the AERU team of researchers and postgraduate students using specialist skills to deliver new knowledge commissioned by a wide range of domestic and international agencies, government departments, private companies and other organisations.

The AERU welcomes enquiries about opportunities for future research.

Our History

The Agribusiness and Economics Research Unit (AERU), founded by Cabinet in 1962, is one of New Zealand’s first applied economics consultancy firms.

The establishment of the AERU was announced by the Honourable W.B. Tennent (then Minister in Charge of Scientific and Industrial Research) on August 4th, 1962, with Tennent stating:

“The difficulties being experienced in the sale of [New Zealand’s] farm products overseas have emphasised the need for more research in agricultural economics. More detailed information is required to estimate the effects of the changes likely to be brought about by changes in overseas markets and other factors.”

The AERU has a rich and proud legacy of excellence, with prominent staff including important figures in the history of New Zealand economic policy. Well-known alumni includes Professor Bryan Philpott (founding director of the AERU, Professor of Economics at Lincoln College, and Victoria University, a co-founder of Berl Economics, Fellow of the Royal Society), Sir James Stewart (Principal of Lincoln College and an influential figure in farm management in New Zealand) and Professor Bruce Ross (First Vice Chancellor of Lincoln University, Distinguished Fellow of the New Zealand Association of Economists).

The emphasis of AERU research has varied over time, reflecting the interests of those who have directed and worked in the organisation, as well as changes in issues of importance to New Zealand’s primary sector and the New Zealand economy. In particular, this focus has shifted from productivity increases in agriculture in the 1960s, to international trade diversification in the 1970s and 80s, to sustainable production and wellbeing economics nowadays.

Learn more about the history of the AERU below:

• 50 Years of the AERU - Summary

• 50 Years of the AERU - Research Report

Our People

The AERU houses researchers with cutting-edge expertise in fields relating to the primary sector and sustainable wellbeing, and prides itself on being a cheerful and vibrant workplace where senior and emerging researchers work together.

To learn more about AERU personnel, please see the staff profiles below.