August 2026: Research by Motu Economic and Public Policy Research has shed new light on the economic impact of Auckland's region-specific Covid-19 lockdowns, finding the restrictions had a substantial but relatively short-lived effect on business activity.

Researcher Richard Fabling analysed the impact of the lockdowns on firm sales revenue and expenses using a matched difference-in-difference dataset covering almost all private sector firms in New Zealand. The study compared Auckland businesses with a control group of firms in Christchurch to estimate the effect of the restrictions.

The analysis assumes a best-case scenario in which Covid-19 itself had no effect on Auckland's regional economy in the absence of lockdowns. Under that assumption, the initial reduction in sales for Auckland firms was similar in magnitude to the impact experienced by the businesses most affected by the Canterbury earthquakes, although the disruption was shorter in duration and closely matched the lockdown period.

The research also found that, while the initial nationwide lockdown appeared to have a greater overall impact, Auckland firms adapted relatively well to subsequent regional restrictions. The study was completed while Richard Fabling was Chief Researcher at the New Zealand Royal Commission on Covid-19 Lessons Learned.

Photo: Motu.

August 2026: Cawthron Institute will host the 83rd Annual Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lecture on Tuesday 8 September in Nelson, featuring award-winning environmentalist and author Natalie Kyriacou OAM as keynote speaker.

At a time when environmental, social, and technological challenges are becoming increasingly complex, the ability to make informed decisions has never been more important. Whether responding to climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, or emerging technologies, communities and decision-makers rely on trusted information and robust evidence to navigate uncertainty and plan for the future.

Yet in an increasingly crowded information landscape, distinguishing evidence from opinion is becoming more difficult. The rapid growth of digital media, social platforms and artificial intelligence is transforming how information is created, shared and consumed, creating new challenges for public trust, scientific understanding and informed decision-making.

This year's lecture, "Truth in a Noisy World: Science, Disinformation and Decisions for Our Future", will explore how disinformation is influencing public understanding and public debate, and what this means for society's ability to respond effectively to complex challenges.

2026 Annual Thomas Cawthron Memorial Lecture keynote speaker Natalie Kyriacou OAM. Photo: Cawthron.