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Local insight, long-term vision in Aotearoa New Zealand

Posted July 22, 2025

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At SGS Economics and Planning, we believe better public policy decisions shape better lives. That’s why we’re stepping up our presence in Aotearoa New Zealand, to help communities plan for a future that’s sustainable, inclusive, and uniquely their own.

We’ve worked in New Zealand for decades, contributing to projects that have shaped housing, infrastructure, policy and regional development. But now, we’re building on that foundation in a more proactive, place-based way led from the ground by long-time collaborator and friend of SGS, Paul Howorth.

Paul has deep ties to SGS. He helped open and establish our Canberra office in the 2000s and has since become a leading thinker across urban planning, public policy, Indigenous development and impact investment. He now lives in New Zealand with his family having returned in 2019. He spent formative years there as child, growing up in social housing in Porirua East.

I was first drawn to SGS by its independence and values-driven approach. What brings me back now is the opportunity to work alongside communities in Aotearoa, bringing SGS’s thinking and tools to local challenges in ways that respect the depth, talent and uniqueness of this place.
— Paul Howorth

SGS Economics and Planning Paul Portrait Article

Paul’s return marks a shift from ‘as-needed’ support to an on-the-ground commitment. With him at the helm, we’re engaging more intentionally and listening, learning, and finding ways we can meaningfully contribute.

A shared purpose, grounded in place

SGS is a firm driven by big values, much like New Zealand itself. With a smaller population and more agile policy environment, New Zealand offers a unique opportunity to do what we do best: collaborate with purpose, act on evidence, and deliver long-term value to communities.

We’re here to support, not replicate, the incredible work already being done. Our goal is to work with local partners to help create the conditions communities need to thrive, particularly through housing, economic development, and community infrastructure.

SGS’s mission is clear — to positively shape public policy in the interest of more equitable, prosperous and sustainable communities. Our independence and commitment to the public good is something that our clients quickly recognise and value.
— Marcus Spiller, Founding Partner and Principal at SGS

SGS Economics and Planning Marcus Spiller Article

Marcus, who has led impactful work across New Zealand for many years, has long admired the country’s collaborative approach to planning and policy. This ethos aligns perfectly with our way of working.

Housing and local economies as levers for change

Our experience across Australia has shown that the right investments in housing deliver far-reaching benefits, not just in shelter, but in stronger economies, healthier communities, and enhanced cultural connections. With a growing population and fiscal constraints, New Zealand needs investment choices that maximise these returns and that’s where robust analysis, community engagement and strong business cases matter most.

SGS brings deep experience in social and affordable housing, cost benefits analysis, local economic development and community wealth building. These strengths can help unlock better outcomes for people, environment and future generations.

A values-led approach

We know New Zealand is not Australia. While the two nations share similarities, their histories, cultures and futures are distinct, especially regarding the influence and self-determined development of Māori communities. We approach this work with humility, through partnership and a willingness to learn more and adapt.

Our commitment is long-term. We’re here to listen first, understand local capabilities, collaborate with care, and offer tools and insights that build on what communities already know they need.

As always, our work is grounded in data, shaped by evidence, and led by purpose.

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini. Success is not the work of an individual, but the work of many. We succeed when we collaborate through enduring relationships.