Motu (named after Taputeranga: the island in Island Bay, Wellington) is New Zealand’s leading economic research institute. It is in the top ten global economic think tanks and top ten climate think tanks. Motu has developed a sound reputation for its well-informed, well-reasoned and fastidiously researched studies on public policy issues. Its success is based on its fully independent status (not compromised by any ideology or political position), the experience and qualification of its senior researchers, and its links to a large pool of internationally renowned experts. Motu is founded on the belief that sound public policy depends on rigorous research accompanied by well-informed and reasoned debate. Motu was registered as a charitable trust on 1 September 2000, and in 2002 was accepted as an affiliate organisation of the Royal Society of New Zealand. It has approximately 25 staff and is located in Wellington, New Zealand.