Brad Olsen

Brad Olsen is the Chief Executive and Principal Economist at Infometrics and is widely recognised as one of New Zealand’s most respected and engaging economic commentators. Nicknamed “Bad News Brad” by ZM’s Fletch, Vaughan, and Hayley, Brad has been described as a “boy wonder and economist extraordinaire” and “the face of economics in New Zealand” and has built a reputation for cutting through noise and getting to the heart of what really matters.

Brad calls it how he sees it – without fear nor favour – in an engaging, witty, sometimes funny, but always informative way that helps audiences understand the economic forces shaping New Zealand and the decisions that sit ahead.

He is a community leader, and one of New Zealand’s youngest Justices of the Peace, performing both ministerial and judicial duties – alongside being a marriage celebrant. He serves on the Institute of Directors’ Wellington Branch Committee and is a member of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network. His work in the community has been recognised numerous times: he was named New Zealand’s Queen’s Young Leader in 2016, one of Asia New Zealand Foundation’s 25 to Watch in 2019, and Young Wellingtonian of the Year 2020.

Brad has previously served on the Council of Business Central and the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, as Curator of Global Shapers Wellington, a member of the Wellington City Council District Licencing Committee, a volunteer with the Take 10 safe zone, the Wellington City Youth Council, and others.

Leading Infometrics’ economic consulting, public commentary, and strategic direction, Brad specialises in regional economic development, labour markets, infrastructure, and public policy. His clear, accessible explanations of complex trends make him a sought-after advisor to organisations across government, business, and community sectors. One of New Zealand’s most influential young professionals, Brad regularly features across national media and speaks at events throughout the country.

Background

Originally from Whangarei, Brad completed his undergraduate studies at Victoria University of Wellington, finishing with a BCom and BA (majoring in Economics, Public Policy, International Relations and Political Science).

Since joining Infometrics in July 2015 as a part time data analyst while studying at Victoria University of Wellington, Brad has risen to be one of New Zealand’s most prominent, and youngest, economic commentators. Termed by The Spinoff as both a “boy wonder and economist extraordinaire” and a “cherub-faced genius-boy economist, CEO of Infometrics, darling of the media, beloved by politicians on both sides of the aisle…,” Brad regularly appears across TV, radio, and print and online media across New Zealand, and sometimes the world.

At present, he is focused on examining the economic path for the New Zealand economy as it seeks a “new normal” after upheaval over recent years, and how that new normal will look across different industries and regions. He has also focused in recent times on New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit, cost of living and housing pressures, and analysis on local government cost pressures.

A sought-after speaker, Brad often presents to communities, leaders, and industry groups across the country, providing a clear and understandable economic update and specific insights into the sector or area of interest.

Key biographical interviews

• Who is Brad Olsen, boy wonder and economist extraordinaire? (The Spinoff, June 2020)
• Economist Brad Olsen opens up about being the go-to guy on the country's economy (Northern Advocate, October 2020)
• Me and My Money: Brad Olsen, senior economist (Newshub, November 2020)
• Six and A Song with Brad Olsen (Newstalk ZB, May 2021)
• Bookmarks with Brad Olsen (Radio New Zealand, October 2021)
• Money Talks: Brad Olsen - the economist giving Gen Z a voice (NZ Herald, March 2022)
• Real Life: Brad Olsen the 26-year-old who has become the face of economics in New Zealand (Newstalk ZB & NZ Herald, July 2023)