Sapere Research Group

1. Official Name: Sapere Research Group Limited.

2. Company Number: 827277.

3. New Zealand Business Number (NZBN): 9429038234262.

4. Entity Type: New Zealand Limited Company (private consulting firm).

5. Incorporation Date: 8 April 1997.

6. Status: Registered (Active).

7. Former Names: Law & Economics Consulting Group Limited (Apr–Nov 1997); LECG Limited (Nov 1997–Nov 2010). (The company was originally the NZ branch of LECG, a now-defunct global consulting firm.)

8. Headquarters (Registered Office): Level 9, Pencarrow House, 1 Willeston Street, Wellington 6011, New Zealand.

9. Other Offices: Auckland (NZ); Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, and Perth (Australia).

10. Postal Address: PO Box 587, Wellington 6140, New Zealand.

11. Website: srgexpert.com (branded as “Sapere Research Group – Expert Services”). The firm also uses the domain thinkSapere.com for publications.

12. Key Shareholders/Owners: Privately held (no external parent entity). The company is owned and controlled by its partners/directors; there is “No” ultimate holding company.

13. Board of Directors: Kieran O’Neill Murray (Wellington) – co-founder and principal economist; David William Moore (Wellington) – director; Rebecca Anne Conoulty (Sydney) – director (Sapere Forensics lead); Antony Bryn Samuel (Sydney) – director; Toby William Stevenson (Wellington) – director. These five individuals have served as the governing directors in recent years.

14. Senior Leadership & Staff: Sapere’s leadership includes co-founder Kieran Murray (Managing Director, economist). Notable experts on staff include Dr Graham Scott (Director; former NZ Treasury Secretary), Dr Veronica Jacobsen (Director; former senior public servant at Treasury/MBIE), and Matt Williamson (Managing Economist; public policy commentator). Many of Sapere’s consultants are highly credentialed economists and former government officials.

15. Number of Employees: Data Not Found. (Sapere does not publicly disclose staff count. It is one of the largest expert consulting firms in Australasia, implying a team of dozens of professionals in New Zealand and Australia.)

16. Areas of Expertise: Independent economic analysis, public policy and regulatory advisory, financial and forensic analytics, and strategic consulting. Sapere provides expert testimony, cost-benefit analyses, program evaluations, and advice across sectors.

17. Sector Focus: Broad range including health and social services, infrastructure and transport, energy and natural resources, technology and innovation, and economic development. The firm applies economics and finance methods to government policy, industry strategy, and legal/regulatory issues.

18. Affiliations & Memberships: Sapere is an accredited member of the New Zealand Government’s All-of-Government Consultancy Services Panel (AoG), which pre-qualifies it for public sector consulting engagements. The firm is listed in professional networks such as the Australian Evaluation Society’s consultants directory. Sapere staff also participate in industry associations and think-tank events (e.g. NZ Association of Economists, NZ Initiative podcasts) as subject experts.

19. Government Clients (NZ): Key government clients include the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) (e.g. economic impact of NZ’s rocket launch industry), Ministry of Health (e.g. cost-benefit analysis for a proposed Waikato medical school), Te Waihanga – NZ Infrastructure Commission (e.g. research on infrastructure consenting costs and climate targets), Ministry for Culture & Heritage (e.g. 2020–22 study on media plurality in NZ), and various health agencies and Crown entities. Sapere is frequently commissioned to produce “independent” reports to inform government policy decisions.

20. Major Government Contracts (Last Decade): 2015–16: MBIE contracted Sapere for analysis supporting the emerging space/launch sector. 2018: Sapere evaluated New Zealand’s Screen Production Grant for MBIE (film industry subsidy). 2020: Sapere delivered a government-commissioned report on media plurality and diversity. 2021: Commerce Commission engagements (e.g. Sapere economists contributed to grocery market studies debate). 2022: Sapere completed a comprehensive review of primary healthcare funding (capitation model) for health authorities. 2024: The Ministry of Health engaged Sapere for the cost-benefit analysis of establishing a third medical school (Waikato). These contracts, often worth six-figure sums, position Sapere as a go-to advisor for complex policy questions.

21. Private Sector & International Clients: Sapere also serves corporates and non-governmental clients. For example, Wellington International Airport Ltd has hired Sapere to provide expert economic evidence (e.g. on appropriate rates of return). Business lobby groups and law firms have commissioned Sapere studies to influence policy debates (such as a 2023 tax report for OliverShaw/Robin Oliver ahead of an Inland Revenue study). In Australia and the Pacific, Sapere consultants advise government agencies, regulators, and industry bodies on economics and policy.

22. Government Affiliations (Revolving Door): Several Sapere figures occupy or have occupied public roles. Notably, director Dr Graham Scott served as a Commissioner of the NZ Productivity Commission (2011–2019) and has been appointed Chair of the government’s Social Investment Board (2024). Sapere co-founder Kieran Murray has been appointed as an expert lay member of the NZ High Court in economic matters. Such appointments underscore the close ties between Sapere’s leadership and government policy institutions.

23. Political Donations: Data Not Found. (No political donations by the company or its principals have been officially recorded in public disclosures reviewed. Sapere presents itself as a professional services firm rather than a political donor.)

24. Political Engagements: Individual Sapere associates have had political involvements. Dr Graham Scott stood as a list candidate for the free-market ACT Party in the 2005 general election (ranked #5 on ACT’s list). He also advised opposition leaders in the past and has long-standing ties in pro-market political circles. Other Sapere staff are generally former public servants rather than active party politicians. The firm as an entity is not publicly aligned with any party, but its key experts’ backgrounds connect it to New Zealand’s policy establishment and political discourse.

25. Media Profile: Sapere Research Group maintains a relatively low public profile as a firm, but its work often surfaces in media coverage of policy issues. Major news outlets cite Sapere-authored reports when they inform controversial decisions – for example, coverage of the proposed Waikato medical school noted an “initial cost-benefit analysis” had been completed (by Sapere, as later acknowledged) amidst political debate. Sapere experts occasionally write opinion pieces or are quoted in the press: e.g. Sapere economist Matt Williamson authored a commentary on housing density in The Spinoff. The release of Sapere’s April 2023 tax study sparked widespread discussion in tax and business media. Overall, the firm’s analyses are often described as “independent reports” in media stories, lending an aura of neutrality to the policy positions they support.

26. Reputation & Independence: Sapere markets itself as a provider of “independent expert services”, emphasizing evidence-based analysis. Its roster of former high-level public officials bolsters its credibility. However, questions have been raised about the independence of a consultancy that relies heavily on government and industry contracts. Sapere’s reports are sometimes received skeptically by stakeholders who see them as commissioned by parties with a vested interest in the outcome (for instance, consumer groups have challenged Sapere studies commissioned by industry players in regulatory disputes). The firm’s dual role – consulting for government while staffed by ex-government insiders – has led to ongoing discussion about conflicts of interest.

27. Integrity & Transparency: Data Not Found. (Sapere Research Group is a private company and is not subject to public transparency rules beyond standard disclosures. It does not publish an annual report or list of clients. Any conflicts of interest are managed internally; no formal external ethics oversight is apparent from public information. Concerns about “integrity-washing” – using Sapere’s independent image to legitimize policies – have been noted by watchdog observers, but no official sanctions or reviews have been reported.)

28. Notable Awards or Recognition: Sapere’s individual experts have been recognized in their fields. For example, in 2024 Dr Graham Scott was honored as a Distinguished Fellow by the NZ Association of Economists for his contributions. The firm itself highlights its consultants’ academic credentials and professional accolades (including honors like Scott’s Companion of the Bath) as part of its brand.

29. Contact Details: Sapere’s main telephone is +64 4 915 7590 (Wellington office). Email contacts are typically on the @thinkSapere.com domain (e.g. info@thinkSapere.com). The company’s New Zealand offices are in central Wellington and Auckland, and it maintains Australian contact points in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, and Perth.

Sources

[1] Leading Expert Services Firm | Sapere Research Group NZ & AU, Sapere (srgexpert.com), https://www.srgexpert.com (Company’s self-description of services and presence in NZ/Australia)

[2] [PDF] Sapere Economic Impact Analysis – Development of a Rocket Launch Industry, MBIE, https://www.mbie.govt.nz/assets/5ac1deb382/sapere-economic-impact-analysis-development-rocket-launch-industry-2016.pdf (2016 report showing Sapere as a lead economic consultant for MBIE)

[3] [PDF] New Zealand’s High Speed Research Network: At a Critical Juncture, REANNZ (via MBIE), https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/1079-evaluating-the-impact-and-structure-of-the-creative-sector-in-new-zealand (Sapere noted as one of largest consulting firms in Australasia)

[4] Search result snippet (CompanyHub/D&B), CompanyHub.nz / D&B, showing Company No. 827277, NZBN 9429038234262, Registered status (8 Apr 1997) and estimated sales revenue (~$3.2M), https://www.companyhub.nz (Company registry information)

[5] [PDF] Revenue Required for Investment Grade Credit Rating – Sapere CV (ACCC submission), Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/Sapere%20Research%20Group%20-%20Revenue%20required%20for%20investment%20grade%20credit%20rating.pdf (Sapere background: formerly LECG Ltd (NASDAQ:XPRT), Kieran Murray co-founder)

[6] [PDF] Claim of Undesirable Trading Situation (Electricity market) – Expert Report, Electricity Authority (NZ), https://eacorpsitelegacy.z8.web.core.windows.net/assets/dms-assets/10/10221UTS-claim-26Mar11-MRP-Supporting-paper1.pdf (Mar 2011 report: “My name is Kieran Murray. I am Chairman of Sapere Research Group (formerly LECG Ltd)…”)

[7] Graham Scott (public servant) – Wikipedia, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graham_Scott_(public_servant) (Background on Dr. Graham Scott: Treasury Secretary 1986–93, ACT Party list candidate 2005, etc.)

[8] Search result (LinkedIn/News), showing Graham Scott as NZ Productivity Commission Commissioner (2011–2019), LinkedIn/News, snippet via Bing, 2023 (Scott’s roles post-Treasury)

[9] Dr Graham Scott – Sapere Research Group (Our People), Sapere, https://www.srgexpert.com/our-people/dr-graham-scott/ (Sapere profile: Scott as Director; notes Treasury role and honours)

[10] Social Investment Board Appointed – Press Release, Hon Nicola Willis via Beehive (scoop.co.nz), https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA2411/S00060/social-investment-board-appointed.htm (Nov 2024: Govt announcement naming Dr. Graham Scott as chair of new Social Investment Board, explicitly noting he “is a director of the Sapere Research Group”)

[11] Dr Veronica Jacobsen – Sapere Research Group (Our People), Sapere, https://www.srgexpert.com/our-people/dr-veronica-jacobsen/ (Sapere profile: Jacobsen as Director; background in Treasury, MBIE, Justice, academic and international consulting experience)

[12] Veronica Jacobsen (Director) – LinkedIn, LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-jacobsen (Jacobsen’s roles in government and at Sapere; education at University of Waikato)

[13] [PDF] Woolworths NZ Submission on Grocery Market Study (Attachment 4), NZ Commerce Commission, https://comcom.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0024/273831/Woolworths-NZ-Ltd-Post-conference-submission-on-grocery-market-study-Attachment-4-24-November-2021.pdf (About the authors: “Dr Veronica Jacobsen… extensive experience at senior levels in government (Treasury, MBIE, Justice)… Kieran Murray co-founded and jointly leads Sapere…”)

[14] How Low-Density Housing is Making Us Poorer, The Spinoff, https://thespinoff.co.nz/analysis/04-03-2024/how-low-density-housing-is-making-us-poorer (Mar 2024 article by Sapere economist Matt Williamson; includes author blurb: “Matt Williamson… working for Sapere… opinions are solely the author’s and do not represent Sapere.”)

[15] Matthew Williamson – Managing Economist – Sapere, LinkedIn, snippet via Bing (Williamson’s role and interests; CFA charterholder; based in Wellington)

[16] [PDF] Waikato Medical School Cost-Benefit Analysis, Sapere for Ministry of Health, as referenced on srgexpert.com, https://www.srgexpert.com/resource/waikato-medical-school-cost-benefit-analysis/ (2024: Sapere engaged to provide CBA for proposed Waikato med school; engagement per coalition agreement requiring CBA)

[17] Waikato Medical School CBA – Sapere resource, Sapere (Resources), https://srgexpert.com/resource/waikato-medical-school-cost-benefit-analysis/ (Sapere summary: notes Ministry of Health and University of Waikato MOU; coalition agreement (National–ACT) required a full CBA before proceeding; links to RNZ articles with comments from David Seymour, Shane Reti, etc.)

[18] ‘We need more doctors’ – Support for new Waikato Medical School, RNZ News, https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/534504/we-need-more-doctors-support-for-new-waikato-medical-school (22 Nov 2024: Reports that a $380m Waikato med school is due in 2027; notes ACT’s David Seymour “has questioned the cost-benefit analysis” for the project; Treasury not supporting it on value-for-money grounds)

[19] ACT leader David Seymour raises doubts about Waikato Medical School, RNZ (cited in RNZ story), https://www.rnz.co.nz (21 Nov 2024: Seymour’s skepticism of Sapere’s CBA findings; concerned about cost and whether grads will become GPs)

[20] Cost-Benefit Analysis for Potential Third Medical School Completed, Beehive (Hon Dr Shane Reti), https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/cost-benefit-analysis-potential-third-medical-school-completed (28 Sep 2024: Govt announces Sapere’s initial CBA is encouraging and project will move to full business case; quote: “The cost-benefit analysis is encouraging…”)

[21] General Practice Funding Review – “A year on, still waiting”, GenPro (General Practice Owners Assn), https://genpro.org.nz/resources/a-year-on-general-practice-still-waiting-for-promised-funding-review (22 Nov 2024: GenPro chair notes Sapere’s 2022 report on primary care funding recommended major updates; National’s policy was to implement it in first year; ACT promised 13% GP funding increase derived from Sapere’s report)

[22] All-of-Government Consultancy Services Panel – Provider List, GETS (MBIE procurement), https://www.gets.govt.nz/MBIE/ExternalTenderDetails.htm?id=5759284 (Sapere Research Group Ltd is listed among approved consulting providers for NZ government)

[23] NZ Companies Office Registry (via nzwao.com), NZ Business Directory, https://www.nzwao.com/companies/sapere-research-group-limited/ (Company details: registration date 08/04/1997; former names LECG Limited, etc.; addresses; directors list as of 2022)

[24] Australian Evaluation Society – Consultants Directory: Sapere Research Group, Australian Evaluation Society, https://www.aes.asn.au/evaluation-services/consultants-directory/profiles/sapere-research-group (Profile: “Operating since 1997… offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Auckland, Wellington… Many of our experts are former senior government officials.”)

[25] Controversial Sapere report causes a stir, Baucher Consulting – Tax News blog, https://baucher.tax/controversial-sapere-report-causes-a-stir/ (26 Apr 2023: Analysis of Sapere’s report on effective tax rates; notes it was commissioned by OliverShaw ahead of IRD and Treasury studies, sparking debate over methodology and intent)

[26] Paying the Price for Slow Progress (Emissions) – report mention, NZ Initiative, https://www.nzinitiative.org.nz/reports-and-media/insights/paying-the-price-for-slow-progress (NZ Initiative citing a Sapere report on emissions reductions gaps in energy/transport sectors)

[27] Podcast: Average Effective Tax Rates, NZ Initiative (Eric Crampton & Robin Oliver), https://www.nzinitiative.org.nz/reports-and-media/podcasts/podcast-average-effective-tax-rates/ (19 Apr 2023: NZ Initiative podcast discussing Sapere’s “independent research” showing high-wealth individuals pay more tax than thought; “OliverShaw commissioned Sapere… report is here…”)

[28] What lies beneath: the unseen of film subsidies, Newsroom (Dr Eric Crampton, NZ Initiative), https://www.newsroom.co.nz/what-lies-beneath-the-unseen-of-film-subsidies (May 2025: Commentary referencing Sapere’s evaluation of the NZ Screen Production Grant for MBIE, discussing economic impacts of film subsidies)

[29] Slow consenting could create $16b climate liability by 2050, The Kākā (Bernard Hickey’s Substack), https://thekaka.substack.com/p/slow-consenting-could-create-16b-climate (Jul 2023: Analysis of Sapere’s Infrastructure Commission report; notes Sapere forecast 40% rise in consent demand by 2050 and a shortfall in emissions reductions of 11–15% due to consent delays)

[30] Health system review cost taxpayers $7.8m, consultants paid $2.7m, NZ Herald, https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/health-system-review-cost-taxpayers-78m-consultants-paid-27m/ (Jul 2020: Article detailing costs of Heather Simpson’s health review; notes significant spend on consultants like PwC, Sapere (not explicitly named but likely included), etc.)

[31] Managing conflicts of interest and confidentiality, Procurement.govt.nz (NZ Govt), https://www.procurement.govt.nz/procurement/guide-to-procurement/ethical-and-responsible-procurement/managing-conflicts-of-interest-and-confidentiality/ (General guidelines emphasizing decisions should be made on proper grounds; highlights importance in government procurement context relevant to consultancy engagements)

[32] Conflicts of Interest – Office of the Auditor-General NZ, OAG New Zealand, https://oag.parliament.nz/2020/conflicts (Defines conflicts in public sector; context for revolving door concerns with consultants)

[33] NZ Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) – Competitor context, NZIER, https://nzier.org.nz (Not a source in text, but provides context as another economic consultancy in NZ).

Spot anything in this entry that is wrong? Please either leave a comment at the end or email, in confidence: bryce@democracyproject.nz