Mike returned to BNZ in 2022 as Chief Economist, having previously worked in the BNZ Research team from 2009 to 2013.

Located in Auckland, Mike delivers economic research predominantly supporting BNZ’s retail and SME customers. This includes the implications of relevant global and local economic trends, regional analysis, and housing research.

Mike has a relatively broad range of prior experience spanning roles in strategy, financial markets analysis, and treasury risk management.

Mike holds a first-class honours degree in Economics from the University of Otago.

In his current role, Gareth provides detailed analysis of the Australian economy and financial markets, both internally to NAB’s executive team as a strategic advisor and externally to both large and small business customers. A core part of his role is the responsibility for the well regarded NAB Business Surveys which have become a trusted source of detailed information on conditions in the business sector. Gareth’s team also produces a comprehensive set of forecasts for the Australian and global economies.

Gareth joined NAB in early 2018 after ten years with the Reserve Bank of Australia where he worked in the Economic Analysis and Research, Risk Management and Financial Markets Departments, gaining a strong understanding of both monetary policy and its implementation as well as the Australian banking system, financial markets, and financial risk management.

Gareth holds a dual Bachelor of Economics (first class honours)/Bachelor of Commerce (finance) from the University of Qld and has more recently completed a Master of Applied Finance at Macquarie University.