Cognitus was formed in 2002 by its Principal Economist, Dr Richard Meade, following a successful initial career in investment banking. 

 

He formed Cognitus to focus on serving clients with novel and challenging economic problems in need of insightful and innovative solutions. He helps clients to frame their questions, and tailors solutions to their needs.

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With around 35 years of professional practice, Richard combines informed and incisive thinking with experience and judgement. His advice and analysis is independent and rigorous, and focused on providing practical advice to inform real-world decisions.

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Dr Meade combines consulting with university-level scholarly research and occasional teaching, to ensure Cognitus’ clients enjoy advice at the cutting edge of international thinking:

• Currently as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Centre for Applied Energy Economics and Policy Research (CAEEPR) at Griffith University (2023 ongoing); 

• Over 2015-2025, as a Senior Research Fellow at Auckland University of Technology; and 

• Over 2001-2011, as a Research Principal at the New Zealand Institute for the Study of Competition and Regulation at Victoria University of Wellington. 

 

While many academics also offer consulting services, Richard is primarily a practitioner who also undertakes scholarly research, and occasionally teaches at university level.

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Cognitus stands out for its unique blend of applied economics, economic research, and history of providing economic advice to Māori.