The Canterbury earthquakes in September 2010 and February 2011 caused major upheaval to the people of the region. The second quake killed 185 people, forced many from their homes, and closed Christchurch’s central business district. This paper examines the consequential effects on business in...

We treat the Canterbury (Christchurch) earthquake sequence as a potential source of new risk information to home buyers in New Zealand. We compare pre- and post-earthquake sales of properties in two other urban areas of the country (one with high and one with low seismicity) to estimate how the...

Published as: Motu Working Paper 14-13 Motu Economic and Public Policy Research, November 2014

This paper examines the determinants of the rate of forced insolvency in New Zealand. The study incorporates two key features. First, we use regional as well as national data to explain insolvencies. The data cover six regions which have had a variety of economic experiences over the sample...

This paper examines the determinants of the rate of forced insolvency in New Zealand. The study incorporates two key features. First, we use regional as well as national data to explain insolvencies. The data cover six regions which have had a variety of economic experiences over the sample...

<section xml:id="fut21692-sec-0001"> What determines exporters’ exchange rate hedging decisions and do exporters attempt to “time the market?” We use a unique longitudinal dataset on firm exports to find the determinants of exporters’ currency hedging choices. Determinants include financial fragility, prior hedging...</section>

What determines exporters’ exchange rate hedging decisions and do exporters attempt to “time the market”? We use a unique unit record longitudinal administrative dataset on firm exports to find the determinants of exporters’ currency hedging choices. Determinants include financial...

We examine the relationship between performance pay systems and wages, paying particular attention to gender differences in outcomes. At the firm level, estimates suggest average wages are unaffected by changes in performance pay practices, but that the within-firm distribution of wages is...

We use qualitative and quantitative data for the same firms to examine the robustness of firms' qualitative responses regarding their performance. In contrast to some prior studies, firms accurately respond to qualitative questions regarding productivity and profitability relative to other...