Kevin Counsell

Education

MCA in economics, with Distinction; Victoria University of Wellington
BCA in economics, with Honours (First Class), Victoria University of Wellington
BSc in mathematics, Victoria University of Wellington

Experience

Kevin Counsell is an expert in environmental economics, competition, regulation, and damages. For over two decades and across hundreds of projects, he has provided analysis in high-stakes matters, balancing economic rigor with clarity of expression. Mr. Counsell provides expert evidence, testimony, and reports that distill complex economic principles into concise, compelling, and robust analysis.

Mr. Counsell has served as an expert witness before the New Zealand Environment Court and independent hearings panels. He has filed expert reports with regulators, government agencies, councils, and competition authorities across a wide range of geographies, including New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and Asia. His insights and analysis are valued by key decision makers, with his work proving instrumental in assisting clients in mergers, urban developments, damages assessments, policy appraisal, and utility regulation.

On environmental and resource management matters, Mr. Counsell has regularly advised on urban development and environmental policy issues. He provides economic analysis for planning and consenting of residential, commercial, and industrial developments. His recent case experience includes economic analysis for transport infrastructure, agriculture, marine reserves, mining, aquaculture, and policy design for the water and wastewater sectors. 

Mr. Counsell has extensive experience in competition, regulation, and damages. He advises clients on mergers and acquisitions, market studies, and other antitrust matters. He has provided economic advice to utility companies and regulators on the design and operation of regulated pricing frameworks across a host of industries, including telecommunications, post, electricity, gas, water, and airports. Mr. Counsell has also quantified damages in claims related to product misrepresentation, overcharging, negligence, and indigenous land takings (before New Zealand’s Waitangi Tribunal).

Mr. Counsell has published numerous white papers and peer-reviewed journal articles and is a regular conference speaker and panelist.