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Evidence · Home lending

The questions and original answers

Explore every question and captured response in the home-lending study, including answers asked nationally and from four cities.

questions
193
captured answers
1,094
AI platforms
4
collected
11 October 2026

01

Every question, with its answers

Each question was written as a voter would ask it and went to all four assistants. Some were also asked from a town. Open a question to read every answer to it in full.

Showing 20 of 193 questions

Show all 193

02

The tables behind the study

Every figure on the study page comes from these tables. They are CSV files, which open in any spreadsheet.

  • Question catalogue

    questions.csv

    One row per question.

    Question ID, borrower, exact question, group and collected answers

    193rows

    Download question catalogue (CSV)

  • Answers

    answers.csv

    One row per answer, with its full text.

    Answer ID, question ID, borrower, assistant, city, words, coded recommendations, showed a link and full text

    1,094rows

    Download answers (CSV)

  • Sources by answer

    sources.csv

    One row for each website recorded as a source of an answer.

    Answer ID, question ID, assistant, city, website and publisher type

    4,574rows

    Download sources by answer (CSV)

  • Checks against official sources

    checks.csv

    One row per statement checked.

    Check, answer ID, assistant, what the answer said, verdict, what the source says, source and date

    4rows

    Download checks against official sources (CSV)

  • Recommendation coding

    recommendation-coding.csv

    One row per coded national loan-choice or support answer.

    Answer ID, question ID, borrower, assistant, question group, recommended lenders and supporting passages

    360rows

    Download recommendation coding (CSV)

  • Platform comparisons

    platform-recommendation-counts.csv

    One row per platform, lender and question group.

    Matched panel, recommended answers, denominator and supporting answer IDs

    105rows

    Download platform comparisons (CSV)

  • City comparisons

    city-recommendation-counts.csv

    One row per city, lender and question group.

    Matched panel, recommended answers, denominator and supporting answer IDs

    112rows

    Download city comparisons (CSV)

Use these tables to trace findings back to the original questions and answers. The full text of each answer is also on this page, under its question.

03

Read in full and checked

Some answers were read in detail or checked against official sources. Those appear on the study page, beside the findings they support.

ChatGPT · National

My fixed-rate home loan ends in two months and I'm deciding whether to stay with my bank or move. What matters most to me is getting good help and advice when I need it. Which lenders would you recommend for my home loan, and why?

Since your priority is good help and advice when you need it, I would put less weight on chasing the absolute lowest advertised rate and more weight on:

  • how easy it is to get a real person when your circumstances change
  • whether the lender (or adviser) will proactively review your loan
  • flexibility (extra repayments, offset options, restructuring)
  • how smoothly they handle renewals and problems

In New Zealand, these are the lenders I’d put on your shortlist:

BNZ — strong all-round choice for service and flexibility

BNZ would be one of my first places to look if customer support is your main concern. It has scored strongly in recent home-loan comparisons, including recognition for customer satisfaction and overall home-loan performance. Canstar

Why consider BNZ:

  • Good range of loan structures.
  • Strong digital tools plus human support options.
  • Useful features such as offset-style lending through its TotalMoney product. Canstar
  • A good fit if you value having options rather than simply taking the cheapest fixed rate.

Potential downside:

  • You may still be able to negotiate a better rate elsewhere, especially when your fixed term ends.

ASB Bank — good if you want a polished banking experience

ASB is worth considering if you value a smooth customer experience and an established lender. It has performed well in home-loan product comparisons, including fixed home-loan categories. Canstar

Why consider ASB:

  • Strong online banking experience.
  • Good range of mortgage options.
  • Often competitive when retaining existing customers, especially if you negotiate.

Potential downside:

  • Like other major banks, the first offer is not always the best offer—ask them to review your pricing before accepting.

Kiwibank — worth considering if local ownership matters

Kiwibank can appeal to borrowers who prefer a New Zealand-owned bank and want a straightforward relationship.

Why consider Kiwibank:

  • Strong Kiwi ownership story.
  • Competitive home-loan options at times.
  • May suit borrowers who prefer a simpler banking relationship.

Potential downside:

  • Compare service responsiveness and turnaround times against larger banks and non-bank lenders.

ANZ New Zealand — good for scale and lending capability

ANZ is one of the largest mortgage lenders in New Zealand and performs strongly in some adviser assessments, particularly around lender capability and processes. interest.co.nz

Why consider ANZ:

  • Large lending capacity.
  • Broad product range.
  • Experienced with many types of borrowers.

Potential downside:

  • A large organisation can feel less personal depending on your local relationship and who manages your loan.

Consider using a mortgage adviser rather than approaching only one bank

Given that your fixed rate ends soon, a good mortgage adviser may be the best match for your “help and advice” priority. They can compare multiple lenders, explain trade-offs, and help negotiate rather than simply renewing automatically. The Financial Markets Authority notes that advisers can help compare lenders, explain costs and features, and manage the process through to settlement. Financial Markets Authority

When choosing an adviser, I’d ask:

  • “How many lenders do you compare?”
  • “How often will you review my mortgage after settlement?”
  • “How are you paid, and do different lenders pay different commissions?”
  • “What would you recommend if my priority is advice rather than the lowest rate?” Financial Markets Authority

My shortlist for your situation

If I were narrowing it down based mainly on support and advice, I’d start with:

  1. BNZ — best overall contender for a service-focused borrower.
  2. ASB — strong customer experience and good product range.
  3. A good independent mortgage adviser comparing BNZ/ASB/ANZ/Kiwibank and selected non-bank lenders — likely the best route if you value ongoing guidance.
  4. Your current bank — don’t rule it out; ask them for their best retention offer before moving.

Before your fixed rate expires, I’d contact your current bank around 6–8 weeks before the end date and get a written offer, then compare it with at least two alternatives. Also look beyond cashback offers: the FMA specifically warns borrowers to consider long-term costs and conditions rather than focusing only on short-term incentives. Financial Markets Authority

If you tell me your approximate loan balance, whether you’re owner-occupier or investor, and whether you prefer fixed/variable/offset flexibility, I can narrow the shortlist further.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · National

My fixed-rate home loan ends in two months and I'm deciding whether to stay with my bank or move. What matters most to me is getting good help and advice when I need it. Which lenders would you recommend for my home loan, and why?

When your fixed-term home loan is coming to an end, it is an ideal window to shop around. Because your primary goal is getting good help and advice when you need it, your choice shouldn’t just come down to headline interest rates—it should focus on the quality of customer service, accessibility of mobile mortgage managers, relationship banking, and ease of guidance.

As you weigh whether to stay with your current bank or move to a new lender in New Zealand, here is a look at how different lenders align with a service-oriented approach, along with a structured action plan.

Key Lender Options for Service and Advice in New Zealand

1. The Major Banks (ANZ, BNZ, ASB, Westpac)

  • The Experience: These major institutions have extensive physical branch networks and large teams of mobile mortgage managers who can meet you at your home or workplace.
  • Customer Service & Accolades: For instance, BNZ has frequently performed well in customer satisfaction categories (such as Canstar’s home loan satisfaction awards), and Westpac and ANZ regularly score high among industry advisers for credit policy clarity and process flexibility.
  • Best for: Borrowers who value a dedicated, local mobile manager who can sit down with you face-to-face, structured digital tools, and the leverage to negotiate cash contributions if you decide to switch.

2. Local and Government-Owned Lenders (Kiwibank, The Co-operative Bank, TSB)

  • The Experience: These institutions often lean heavily into customer trust and relationship-driven banking as a core differentiator from the major Australian-owned banks.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Kiwibank and The Co-operative Bank consistently rank near the top for brand trust and customer advocacy in independent industry reviews.
  • Best for: Borrowers who prefer a distinctly New Zealand-owned institution (such as government-owned Kiwibank or a cooperative model) and want more personalized, community-focused support rather than dealing with a massive corporate bureaucracy.

3. Using a Independent Mortgage Adviser (Broker)

  • The Experience: Instead of choosing a single lender upfront, working with a registered mortgage adviser gives you access to a wide panel of banks and lenders simultaneously.
  • Why it fits your goal: Mortgage advisers act as your personal advocate. They handle the negotiations, paperwork, and restructuring advice on your behalf, and their service is typically free to you (as they are paid commission by the lender you ultimately choose).
  • Best for: Getting objective, side-by-side advice on whether staying or moving provides the best overall package (including service, cash contributions, and structure) tailored precisely to your situation.

Your Action Plan for Renewal

  1. Contact your current bank first (Deadline: 6–8 weeks out): Ask them for their best retention rates, a breakdown of any restructuring options, and what loyalty or cash contribution package they can offer to keep your business.
  2. Consult an independent mortgage adviser or check 1–2 alternate lenders: Bring your current bank's offer to an independent adviser or approach a high-ranking service lender (like Kiwibank or BNZ) to see how their advisory support and rates compare.
  3. Weigh the "Switching Cost" vs. Cash Contribution: If you decide to move, remember that new lenders often offer cash-back contributions (depending on your loan size and equity) that can offset legal or discharge fees associated with switching banks.
  4. Lock in your rate 30 days prior: Secure your preferred fixed term rate ahead of your roll-over date so you are protected against market fluctuations.

Would you like help preparing a list of specific questions to ask your current bank's mobile manager before your fixed term expires?

Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · National

My fixed-rate home loan ends in two months and I'm deciding whether to stay with my bank or move. What matters most to me is getting good help and advice when I need it. Which lenders would you recommend for my home loan, and why?

For personalized help and ongoing advice regarding a home loan in New Zealand , customer satisfaction surveys and Canstar Home Loan Awards consistently rank customer-owned or smaller local banking institutions like TSB and Kiwibank highly for customer service and relationship management, compared to major Australian-owned giants.

When prioritizing advisory support, service quality, and guidance over just chasing the absolute lowest headline interest rate, different New Zealand lenders offer distinct advantages:

Recommended Lenders for Service and Advice

  • TSB : Frequently wins customer satisfaction awards in New Zealand. As a regional/independent bank with deep roots, customers often report more accessible, responsive, and human local service rather than navigating rigid corporate call centers.

  • Kiwibank : As a state-owned New Zealand bank, it invests heavily in mobile mortgage managers and local branch support, often scoring well in local consumer satisfaction metrics for guidance on restructuring and sustainability add-ons.

  • The Major Banks (ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac): They provide dedicated mobile mortgage managers who will visit you at home or work to consult on your next fixed term. However, service quality heavily depends on the individual manager assigned to you, and larger banks tend to have more automated or rigid retention policies.

Key Factors to Consider When Deciding

  • Dedicated Mobile Managers vs. Branch Staff: If you prefer face-to-face strategizing, ask your current bank or prospective banks if you can be assigned a dedicated mobile mortgage manager rather than dealing with general customer service lines.

  • Cashback Offers for Switching: If you decide to move lenders, most major and mid-tier banks offer cash contribution incentives (cashbacks) for refinancing a mortgage over a certain threshold (usually $200k–$300k+), which can help offset legal or discharge fees.

  • Using a Mortgage Broker: Because your priority is advice rather than a specific bank loyalty, using a registered independent mortgage adviser (broker) is completely free to you (they are paid commission by the lender). A broker can compare advice levels, policies, and cashbacks across multiple lenders—including second-tier and major banks—to match you with a lender known for good ongoing support.

If you'd like, let me know:

  • Your approximate remaining loan balance
  • Whether you prefer in-branch, digital, or mobile manager communication

I can help you weigh whether switching or renegotiating with your current provider makes more sense.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · National

My fixed-rate home loan ends in two months and I'm deciding whether to stay with my bank or move. What matters most to me is getting good help and advice when I need it. Which lenders would you recommend for my home loan, and why?

AI Overview

If your primary goal is securing high-quality help and reliable advice, your choice of lender matters immensely. Independent data shows a major divide in New Zealand between customer-first, locally owned institutions and the giant, multi-national banking brands.

The top-recommended lenders for customer service and quality guidance in New Zealand are:

1. The Co-operative Bank

  • Why they stand out: As New Zealand’s only 100% customer-owned bank, their business structure naturally prioritises you rather than overseas shareholders. In independent industry reviews—including the Consumer NZ Banking Survey—The Co-operative Bank consistently takes the top spot for customer service and advice.

  • The help factor: Because they are a smaller institution, customers frequently note that their support feels less like a corporate checklist and more like personalized advice.

2. TSB Bank

  • Why they stand out: Like the Co-operative Bank, TSB is 100% New Zealand-owned and frequently scores near the top of national satisfaction awards for its approachability and customer care.

  • The help factor: They maintain a highly praised, community-focused reputation. They excel if you prefer dealing with human representatives who take the time to look at your personal financial context rather than just feeding data into an automated loan approval calculator.

3. Kiwibank

  • Why they stand out: While larger than TSB and the Co-operative Bank, the state-owned Kiwibank scores significantly higher for customer trust and general helpfulness than its Australian-owned competitors.

  • The help factor: They have spent heavily on their digital interfaces. This makes it very easy to track your own mortgage structure, make extra payments, or easily re-fix your loan directly inside their app when your term is up.

Understanding the Landscape (The "Big Four")

If you are currently with one of the large Australian-owned banks (ANZ, ASB, BNZ, or Westpac), moving to a smaller Kiwi lender might provide a refreshing change in service quality.

The Consumer NZ satisfaction rankings show a widespread drop in satisfaction for the entire banking industry. Customers widely cite a slow response to problems, automated loops, and rigid lending criteria as core pain points. Of the major four, Westpac and ANZ often anchor the lowest tiers of these independent satisfaction surveys specifically for value, advice, and problem resolution.

A Smart Alternative: Working with a Mortgage Adviser (Broker)

Because you have two months left, consider letting a registered New Zealand mortgage adviser do the legwork for you.

  • They operate independently of any single bank.

  • Their entire business model relies on giving you high-quality, tailored advice.

  • They can look at your current bank's roll-over offer, compare it directly to what the market is offering, and handle the switching paperwork for you if you decide to jump ship. Best of all, their services are typically free to you as the borrower.

To help tailor this advice, which bank are you currently with , and have they already sent you your fixed-rate rollover options? Knowing if your property setup is straightforward or an investment portfolio would also help narrow down the best move.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026