Chris Parker

Economist

Direct dial +64 4 470 1813
Email

Chris has a strong interest in cost‑benefit analysis (CBA) and has six years’ experience in economic appraisal techniques and business case development in the areas of transport and energy; research, science and technology; and social welfare. Chris has recently advised on the CBAs of three of the Government’s major Roads of National Significance; led the Waikato Inter-Regional Transportation Study; undertaken a detailed CBA of the impact of electric vehicles; and has advised the Treasury and the NZ Transport Agency on the choice of social discount rate used in transport CBAs. Chris is currently researching the viability and impact of time indexing unit cost parameters in transport CBAs for the NZTA.

Key specialist areas

• Cost benefit analysis - methodologies and practice
• Strategic transport planning and appraisal
• Business case development

Recent work

• Researched the impact of the discount rate on transport appraisals. Report available at: www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/research/reports/392/index.html
• Led the technical development of a National CBA of the early uptake of electric vehicles in NZ. Report available at: www.meridanenergy.co.nz
• Key analyst for the Waikato Expressway Strategic Evaluation (WESE) to evaluate how developing the full Waikato Expressway would contribute towards achieving regional and national transport and economic objectives.
• Led the Waikato Inter‑Regional Transportation Study, an inter‑regional transport strategy for the Waikato and neighbouring regions to achieve national transport objectives and targets.
• Advised on the CBA methodologies of each of Transmission Gully and Tauranga Eastern Link. This included advising the NZTA and the Treasury on CBA methodologies relating to toll projects.
• Evaluation of Readiness of New Zealand Firms for the R&D Tax Credit — led the quantitative components of this evaluation. Report available at: www.morst.govt.nz/publications/evaluations/rd-tax-credit
• Whilst at the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology provided expert analysis of internal business processes, measuring and reporting on investment performance, advice and policy recommendations, and statutory planning and reporting.