Leading policy and economic research for a brighter future

Since John became the Executive Director of Motu Economic and Public Policy Research in 2019, he has led research initiatives addressing critical national issues including climate change, land-use change, carbon farming, and human rights.

His leadership as Chair of the Independent Research Association of New Zealand has helped to increase capability in innovative technology and solutions for New Zealand communities and global markets, particularly around primary processing, food safety, environment, infrastructure, society, economy, health, and medicine.

"What drives me is the belief that by fostering rigorous research and open debate, New Zealand is better placed to make informed decisions for the benefit of its people and its future" – John McDermott

John says his career inspiration came from a deeply held belief in the value of research as a foundation for sound public policy.

"My support for institutions such as Motu and the Independent Research Association of New Zealand reflects my conviction that strong, well-supported research communities help decision-makers in Aotearoa navigate complex social, environmental, and economic challenges."

"That belief also ties back to my role at the Reserve Bank, where encouraging deep analytical work would generate better policy outcomes."

John says that there hasn't been a single goal or external factor that sparked his involvement with these organisations.

"My motivation arose from a genuine interest in New Zealand's research community and the positive experiences that came with engaging in it. For me, the inspiration lies in the sheer number of important issues that deserve attention, even without the expectation of personally effecting change."

"What drives me is the belief that by fostering rigorous research and open debate, New Zealand is better placed to make informed decisions for the benefit of its people and its future."

John says that to him, "everything is interesting", so one of his biggest challenges has been time constraints.

"There are countless demands on my attention, and the turning point was realising that I can't do everything – but I can make space for the things that spark curiosity."

"I've tried to carve out time to follow those interests, whether in research or in life more broadly. That balance has been essential, because it allows you not only to contribute meaningfully but also to enjoy the process along the way."

John says it's difficult to settle on an individual vision for the future of his area of work: "I tend to view research as a discipline of saying yes to the world as it is – complex, uncertain, full of difficulty – but a discipline that provides a path to better decisions."