Benje Patterson has an extensive track record of mentoring others to understand regional economic data. Many economists use unnecessary jargon, but Benje likes to put things in plain English.

 He regularly tours the country helping councils and economic development agencies develop skills in using economic data in decision-making and monitoring processes.

Benje has an unparalleled awareness of what regional economic data is available. He has a firm grasp of what information local authorities use, as well as the breadth and quality of data published by both commercial and central government sources.

Benje originally hails from Invercargill and still proudly rolls his r’s with vigour. He now lives in Queenstown, where much of his spare time is absorbed in the outdoors. His undergraduate education in economics and finance was completed at Otago University. He also has a Masters degree in Economics and Politics from the University of Freiburg in Germany.