Independent and unflinchingly direct, Cameron Bagrie is one of New Zealand’s most recognisable economic voices.
With more than two decades of experience analysing financial markets and government policy, Cameron has earned a reputation for cutting through the noise and delivering sharp, practical insights into the forces shaping the economy.
Cameron’s career includes over 18 years with the National Bank and ANZ, where he served as Chief Economist for 11.5 years. Under his leadership, ANZ’s economics team became the most trusted in the business and financial community, known for its robust, clear-eyed analysis of the New Zealand economy. Earlier in his career, he spent three and a half years at the New Zealand Treasury, contributing to national-level policy and forecasting.
Today, Cameron leads Bagrie Economics, a boutique research consultancy providing independent economic insight across business, government and the media. He remains a sought-after commentator, widely respected for his no-nonsense, jargon-free style and ability to make complex economic concepts understandable.
From inflation and interest rates to housing, global trends, and fiscal policy, Cameron brings a pragmatic, real-world lens to every topic—refusing to be boxed in by ideology and always focused on what the data really means.
Cameron was very well received by our audience. He tailored his expertise and insights to align to our industry well which delivered strong value to our team. ... keep reading Crombie Lockwood
Cameron Bagrie delivered a compelling and thought-provoking presentation at the CSNZ Workshop, providing a clear and unfiltered assessment of New Zealand’s economic landscape. His ability to distil complex economic trends into digestible insights made for an engaging and highly relevant discussion. One of the standout themes was the challenge of low productivity and its long-term implications. Cameron highlighted how weak management skills and slow digital adoption are holding back economic growth—a sobering but necessary reality check for businesses and policymakers alike. His data-driven approach, combined with a pragmatic perspective on fiscal and monetary policy, gave attendees a well-rounded understanding of both immediate and structural challenges. The presentation struck a balance between realism and forward-thinking solutions, sparking valuable discussions among CSNZ members. While the outlook remains uncertain, Cameron’s insights provided clarity on key risks and opportunities, equipping attendees with the knowledge needed to navigate the evolving economic environment. A highly informative session—straight-talking, relevant, and impactful.
Cameron understood the audience and their expectations, he adapted and selected the appropriate content whilst providing in a short time a very clear picture of current affairs. His knowledge-sharing ability captivated the room. We are so pleased Cameron took part in our event!
