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Evidence · Immigration

Immigration: questions, answers and evidence

Read all 797 original answers and the tables behind the findings. The 27 missing answers are from the China comparison on three platforms.

questions
143
captured answers
797
missing responses
27
answers collected
15–20 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 143 questions

Show all 143

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.

  • Complete AI answers

    answers.csv

    One complete original answer, with the question, platform, country setting and migrant profile.

    question_id, surface_code, location_ref, result_id, prompt_id, platform, scan_id, collection_panel, question_text, response_text

    797rows

    Download complete ai answers (CSV)

  • The questions we asked

    question-catalogue.csv

    One question with the migrant profile, wording and purpose.

    question_id, question_version, group_id, case_id, asked_for, output_id, module_ids, category, wording_style, prompt_set, collection_panel, comparison_id, exact_text, distinguishing_facts, stated_facts, tags, status

    143rows

    Download the questions we asked (CSV)

  • Planned questions, platforms and countries

    execution-assignments.csv

    One question, platform and country we planned to collect an answer from.

    question_id, collection_panel, location_name, location_ref, surface, surface_code

    824rows

    Download planned questions, platforms and countries (CSV)

  • The 27 missing answers

    missing-cells.csv

    One expected answer that was not collected.

    question_id, collection_panel, location_name, location_ref, surface, surface_code

    27rows

    Download the 27 missing answers (CSV)

  • Locations named for each migrant profile

    location-by-persona.csv

    How often a place was named in the twelve New Zealand answers for each migrant profile.

    persona, place, answers, denominator, wording_styles, wording_count, surface_count

    342rows

    Download locations named for each migrant profile (CSV)

  • Locations named across question wordings

    location-by-wording.csv

    One profile, platform and place, showing which versions of the question led to an answer naming the place.

    persona, surface, place, answers, denominator, wording_styles

    1,368rows

    Download locations named across question wordings (CSV)

  • Locations named by collection country

    location-by-region.csv

    One place and country setting; the China comparison has nine answers on Google AI Mode only.

    region, place, answers, denominator, surfaces

    304rows

    Download locations named by collection country (CSV)

  • Eight countries on Google AI Mode

    location-ai-mode-eight-regions.csv

    One place and country across the same nine questions on Google AI Mode.

    region, place, answers, denominator

    304rows

    Download eight countries on google ai mode (CSV)

  • Matched local and overseas answers

    matched-region-answer-pairs.csv

    A New Zealand answer alongside the same question and platform using another country setting.

    region, surface, persona, question_id, result_id, nz_result_id, same_place_set, jaccard, added_names, omitted_names

    261rows

    Download matched local and overseas answers (CSV)

  • Topics explicitly raised in the answers

    signals-by-output-platform.csv

    How often selected words and phrases appeared, by topic and platform.

    output, surface, signal, answers, denominator

    1,120rows

    Download topics explicitly raised in the answers (CSV)

  • Topics raised for each migrant profile

    signals-by-persona-output.csv

    How often selected words and phrases appeared, by migrant profile and topic.

    output, persona, signal, answers, denominator

    1,876rows

    Download topics raised for each migrant profile (CSV)

  • Website addresses in captured answers

    captured-answer-links.csv

    Web addresses saved in the original answers, with image and file links identified.

    question_id, result_id, prompt_id, surface, surface_code, region, output, persona, wording, panel, words, raw_page, transcript, url, domain, host_class, image_or_asset

    2,003rows

    Download website addresses in captured answers (CSV)

  • Extra table: links excluding images and files

    captured-links-by-platform.csv

    One platform across the same 143 New Zealand questions. The table excludes image and file links; the main Sources section counts those links.

    surface, denominator, answers_with_links, answers_with_govt_links

    4rows

    Download extra table: links excluding images and files (CSV)

  • Captured answer lengths

    platform-answer-length.csv

    One platform across the same 143 local questions.

    surface, answers, median_words, mean_words

    4rows

    Download captured answer lengths (CSV)

  • Recorded websites by answer

    sources-by-answer.csv

    Each website recorded as a source for an answer, with the page addresses and number of statements linked to the website.

    question_id, result_id, prompt_id, surface, surface_code, region, output, persona, wording, panel, words, raw_page, transcript, domain, publisher, claim_count, source_urls

    1,462rows

    Download recorded websites by answer (CSV)

  • Recorded sources and their original claims

    source-claim-ledger.csv

    Sources attached to individual statements, with the original answer, quotation and source passage.

    narrative_id, claim_id, question_id, result_id, prompt_id, surface, surface_code, region, output, persona, wording, panel, words, raw_page, transcript, domain, url, source_passage, claim_quote, quote_exact

    3,105rows

    Download recorded sources and their original claims (CSV)

  • Answers with sources and answers with links

    source-answer-coverage.csv

    Each New Zealand answer, showing whether sources were recorded and whether the answer text contains a web link.

    question_id, result_id, prompt_id, surface, surface_code, region, output, persona, wording, panel, words, raw_page, transcript, associated_websites, had_sources, literal_url_answer

    572rows

    Download answers with sources and answers with links (CSV)

  • Website publisher classifications

    source-publisher-classification.csv

    Each website, the type of organisation behind the website and the reason for the category. Unconfirmed types remain Other.

    domain, publisher, basis, source

    332rows

    Download website publisher classifications (CSV)

  • Tone toward each place

    place-sentiment-ledger.csv

    One named place in one answer, with the positive, neutral, negative or mixed label, supporting passages and reason. All 108 New Zealand answers about where to live were reviewed.

    result_id, question_id, prompt_id, persona, assistant, region, place, stance, paragraph_numbers, supporting_passages, display_passage, reason, answer_sha256, reviewed_on

    630rows

    Download tone toward each place (CSV)

  • Facts supplied in each question

    prompt-reporting-eligibility.csv

    Every question, with corrected descriptions of the facts stated and limits on interpreting its answers.

    question_id, reviewed_on, prompt_sha256, original_stated_facts, corrected_stated_facts, metadata_changed, destination_explicit, descriptive_counts_included, interpretation_rule

    143rows

    Download facts supplied in each question (CSV)

  • Sources across question styles

    source-wording-incidence.csv

    One website, profile, topic and platform, with answer totals, question styles and the original answer references.

    persona, output, surface, domain, answers_with_source, eligible_answers, wording_styles_with_source, eligible_wording_styles, observed_styles, eligible_styles, answer_ids, by_style

    2,144rows

    Download sources across question styles (CSV)

  • Questions with corrected fact descriptions

    question-catalogue-reviewed.csv

    The unchanged original question text with fact descriptions reviewed on 28 October 2026.

    question_id, question_version, group_id, case_id, asked_for, output_id, module_ids, category, wording_style, prompt_set, collection_panel, comparison_id, exact_text, distinguishing_facts, stated_facts, tags, status

    143rows

    Download questions with corrected fact descriptions (CSV)

  • Statements checked against official sources

    statement-checks.csv

    One checked statement, with its exact passage, verdict, official source, review date and original answer reference.

    check_id, measure_id, question_checked, result_id, prompt_id, question_id, persona, assistant, wording, exact_statement, verdict, what_the_source_says, source_name, source_url, checked_on, answer_sha256

    47rows

    Download statements checked against official sources (CSV)

  • Policy questions covered by the checks

    statement-measures.csv

    One policy question, showing checked statements, original answers and the question wordings represented.

    measure_id, question_checked, checked_statements, distinct_answers, wording_styles_with_checked_assertions, wording_styles, answer_ids, question_ids, scope

    27rows

    Download policy questions covered by the checks (CSV)

Use the question and answer numbers to follow the evidence between tables. Locations named in warnings and comparisons count. Sources attached to an answer and web links in the answer text are counted separately.

03

The reviewed evidence

We read all 108 New Zealand answers about where to live to assess the tone toward each named place. A separate selection of 41 answers explores practical advice and contrasts across topics. The original policy checks were made on 22 October and expanded on 28 October 2026; verdicts cover selected statements, not every answer.

ChatGPT · New Zealand country setting

I already run a small business and I'm considering moving with my partner to buy or operate one in New Zealand. What visa options might fit me, what could rule me out, and what else would you need to know?

If you already run a small business and want to move to New Zealand with your partner to buy or operate a business, there are several immigration routes worth investigating. The key distinction is whether you want to buy an established New Zealand business, start a new venture, or move to New Zealand to work in a business you own.

Your existing business experience could be relevant, but it doesn't automatically qualify you for a business visa. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will look at the specific visa rules, your proposed business, your financial position, and your personal eligibility. Your partner's ability to join you and work in New Zealand also needs to be assessed separately.

I'll focus on New Zealand's business and entrepreneur-related immigration options, the potential reasons you might not qualify, and the information needed to narrow them down.

1. The main visa options to consider

A. Business Investor Work Visa

For hands-on business owners

This is the main route to investigate if you want to buy and actively operate an established New Zealand business.

  • Investment: at least NZ$1 million, or NZ$2 million for the faster residence pathway.
  • Additional funds: at least NZ$500,000 to support yourself and your family.
  • Age: 55 or younger when applying.
  • Experience: you must meet the business experience and English-language requirements.
  • Duration: up to four years.
  • Residence: potentially after three years with the NZ$1 million investment, or after 12 months with NZ$2 million, subject to the relevant requirements.

Your partner and dependent children can be included in the application. Business Investor Work Visa » Immigration New ZealandBusiness Investor Resident Visa » Immigration New Zealand

Official visa requirements

B. Active Investor Plus Visa

For substantial investors

This may fit if your priority is relocating through investment rather than personally running a small business every day.

  • Growth category: NZ$5 million in acceptable investments for at least three years.
  • Balanced category: NZ$10 million in acceptable investments for at least five years.
  • You must demonstrate that the investment funds were lawfully acquired and meet the visa's investment rules.
  • You can include your partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger.
  • It provides residence, with a potential permanent residence application after the required investment period and other conditions.

A direct investment in a New Zealand business may qualify, but buying a small business does not automatically count as an acceptable investment. Active Investor Plus Visa » Immigration New ZealandVisas for investing and doing business in New Zealand :: Immigration New Zealand

Official visa requirements

C. Entrepreneur Work Visa — existing applicants only

This older visa allowed eligible entrepreneurs to start or buy a business with at least NZ$100,000 in investment capital, a business plan and 120 points under the visa's points system.

Important: New applications for this category are closed. It is not currently an available route for someone planning a fresh application. Existing holders may retain certain renewal and residence options. Business Investor Visa offers new immigration options for investors :: Immigration New ZealandEntrepreneur Work Visa » Immigration New Zealand

Official visa information

What if you want to start a new business from scratch?

The Business Investor Work Visa is designed for an existing business, not simply a new startup. If your goal is to launch a new venture, your options may depend on whether you qualify for another work or residence category, including one based on your occupation, an eligible job offer, or your partner's circumstances.

New Zealand has announced plans for a startup-entrepreneur pathway, but you should not assume that a proposed pathway is open for applications. Check INZ's current rules before building your relocation plan around it. New Business Investor Visa to support growthBusiness Investor Visa offers new immigration options for investors :: Immigration New Zealand

2. What could rule you out?

The Business Investor Work Visa has fairly specific criteria. Running a small business successfully is useful experience, but it may not be enough by itself.

Potential obstacle Why it matters
Insufficient capital You need at least NZ$1m or NZ$2m for the qualifying investment, plus NZ$500,000 in separate reserve funds.
Age over 55 You must be 55 or younger when applying for this visa.
Business experience doesn't meet the rules You generally need at least three years of acceptable business or senior-management experience, with specific staff or turnover thresholds.
Target business is too small or too new It must have traded for at least five years and employ at least five full-time-equivalent staff.
Purchase price or ownership is insufficient The qualifying purchase must be at least NZ$1m, excluding property value and GST, and result in you owning at least 25%.
Ineligible industry Certain businesses are excluded, even if profitable.
Funds cannot be adequately verified INZ checks ownership and lawful source of funds. Borrowed or encumbered funds generally cannot count, subject to limited exceptions.
Health, character or compliance issues Medical requirements, relevant convictions, business fraud, dishonesty or serious compliance concerns may prevent approval.
English requirement not met You must demonstrate the required English ability.

These are substantive eligibility rules, not just factors that affect your chances. Business Investor Work Visa » Immigration New ZealandBusiness Investor Visa offers new immigration options for investors :: Immigration New Zealand

Business types that may be excluded

INZ's published exclusions for the Business Investor Work Visa include:

  • Franchised businesses and fast-food outlets.
  • Convenience stores and discount or value stores.
  • Home-based businesses operating only from a residential address.
  • Drop-shipping businesses.
  • Gambling businesses, adult entertainment businesses, and businesses manufacturing tobacco or nicotine products.
  • Immigration advisory businesses, including certain purchases involving a Licensed Immigration Adviser.

Check the exact current policy before pursuing any particular business. An industry label alone may not tell you whether the specific proposed investment qualifies. Business Investor Visa offers new immigration options for investors :: Immigration New ZealandBusiness Investor Work Visa » Immigration New Zealand

One important distinction: the NZ$500,000 reserve requirement is additional to your qualifying investment. If you have NZ$1.5m in total assets, for example, you cannot automatically assume that you have enough: the amount available, how it is owned, its source, and the proposed purchase structure all matter. Business Investor Work Visa » Immigration New Zealand

3. How would your partner come with you?

For the Business Investor Work Visa, you can include your partner in your application, provided you meet the relationship and other relevant requirements. Your partner may be eligible for a work visa, and the two of you can pursue the business-investment route together. Business Investor Work Visa » Immigration New ZealandPartner of a Worker Work Visa » Immigration New Zealand

The main questions are:

  • Are you married, in a civil union, or in a de facto relationship?
  • Are you currently living together, and can you document a genuine and stable relationship?
  • Does your partner want to work in the business, run a separate business, or take a job elsewhere?
  • Would your partner have their own eligibility for a work or residence visa?

Your partner's intended role matters. If they will be a co-owner or actively involved in the business, the ownership arrangements and their own visa conditions should be checked before you settle on a structure.

If either of you has a separate route through a New Zealand citizen or resident partner, an eligible job offer, or another residence category, that may change the overall plan.

4. What I would need to know to narrow this down

You don't need to have a specific New Zealand business picked out yet. I'd start with these questions.

Your relocation and business profile

Answer what you can. Rough estimates are fine, and you don't need to share sensitive financial or identity details.

5. What happens next?

Once I know those details, I can help you compare the realistic pathways against your budget, experience, preferred business model and plans for your partner. In particular, I would check whether you meet the three-year business experience test, whether your available funds satisfy the investment and reserve thresholds, and whether your preferred type of business is eligible.

Before signing a purchase agreement or transferring investment funds, it would also be sensible to have a New Zealand licensed immigration adviser or immigration lawyer review the proposed structure and the current INZ rules.

The most useful starting point is your citizenship, age, business experience and approximate available capital. Those four details will quickly help establish which routes are worth pursuing.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand country setting

I already run a small business and I'm considering moving with my partner to buy or operate one in New Zealand. What visa options might fit me, what could rule me out, and what else would you need to know?

Moving countries to buy or operate a small business is a major step. New Zealand has structured immigration pathways explicitly designed for experienced business owners and investors, though they come with strict criteria regarding capital, job creation, and background history.

Potential Visa Options

Depending on your capital and the scale of the business you intend to run, you will generally look at one of two primary immigration pathways administered by Immigration New Zealand (INZ):

Visa Category Capital Investment Required Key Requirements Path to Residence
Entrepreneur Work Visa Minimum NZD $100,000 (plus set-up funds) • Detailed business plan
• Minimum 120 points on the INZ points scale
• English language proficiency		 Yes (via the Entrepreneur Resident Visa after operating successfully for 6 months to 2 years, depending on job creation/investment scale)
Business Investor Work Visa Minimum NZD $1 million (Standard) or NZD $2 million (Fast-track) in an established business • Age 55 or younger
• At least 3 years of matching business experience
• Must maintain 5 existing full-time jobs and create at least 1 new local job
• Minimum NZD $500,000 in reserve settlement funds		 Yes (Standard pathway after 3 years of active operation; fast-track after 12 months)

Your partner can generally be included in your application as a secondary applicant, granting them work rights in New Zealand as well.

What Could Rule You Out?

Immigration New Zealand enforces strict compliance boundaries. You may face immediate disqualification or denial if you encounter any of the following dealbreakers:

  • History of Financial Failure or Insolvency: A recent history of bankruptcy, business failure, or corporate insolvency within a specified timeframe (typically 5 years) can disqualify you.
  • Non-Compliance Track Record: If any previous businesses you owned or managed failed to comply fully with local tax, employment, or immigration laws ("fit and proper person" tests), your application will be heavily scrutinized or rejected.
  • Age Limits (for Investor Pathways): The Business Investor Work Visa requires you to be 55 years or younger at the time of application. (Note: The Entrepreneur Work Visa does not have a strict age cap, but relies heavily on the points system).
  • Excluded Business Types: Certain business sectors—such as passive property investments, drop-shipping, or certain types of franchises or small retail structures depending on the category—do not qualify for points or visa approval under business migration policies.
  • Character and Health Hurdles: Failing standard police clearance checks or failing to meet health/medical screening standards will rule out applicants and their dependents.

What Else We Would Need to Know

To narrow down which exact pathway or strategy makes sense for you, it helps to consider:

  1. Your Capital Level: Are you operating closer to the minimum threshold (NZD $100,000 for a startup/smaller acquisition) or scaling toward major investment tiers (NZD $1M+)?
  2. Industry & Experience: What kind of small business do you currently run, and what sector would you look to buy into or launch in New Zealand?
  3. Timeline: Are you hoping to transition quickly, or are you in early exploratory planning stages?
Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand country setting

I already run a small business and I'm considering moving with my partner to buy or operate one in New Zealand. What visa options might fit me, what could rule me out, and what else would you need to know?

Moving to New Zealand to buy or operate a small business involves navigating specific immigration pathways. The older Entrepreneur Work Visa has been replaced by the Business Investor Work Visa , which targets substantial commercial investments.

Potential Visa Options

  1. Business Investor Work Visa
  • What it is: A work-to-residence pathway designed for experienced business owners. It allows you to stay up to 4 years.
  • Key Investment Tiers:
  • Standard Option: Invest a minimum of $1 million into a trading New Zealand business that has been operating for 5+ years with at least 5 staff, and create at least 1 new full-time job (leads to residence after 3 years).
  • Fast-Track Option: Invest at least $2 million into a qualifying business (leads to residence after 12 months).
  • Partner Inclusion: You can include your partner and dependent children in your application. You can review full requirements directly on the

Immigration New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa

page. Business Investor Work Visa » Immigration New Zealand
2. Business Visitor Visa

  • What it is: A short-term entry visa (up to 3 months in any 1 year) if you want to travel to New Zealand first to scout the market, negotiate contracts, or look at potential businesses to buy.
  • Action: Details and application portals are accessible via the

Immigration New Zealand Business Visitor Visa

guide. Business Visitor Visa » Immigration New Zealand
3. Active Investor Plus Visa

  • What it is: For higher-net-worth individuals, requiring a minimum of $5 million (Growth category) or $10 million (Balanced category) in acceptable investments. Check criteria on the

Active Investor Plus Visa

overview. Active Investor Plus Visa » Immigration New Zealand

What Could Rule You Out

  • Excluded Business Types: New Zealand strictly excludes certain business categories from the Business Investor framework—including drop-shipping, dairies, discount shops, fast-food outlets, standard franchises, home-based businesses, gambling, tobacco, and adult entertainment. If your small business falls into one of these, this specific visa pathway won't apply. [Immigration New Zealand]

  • Capital and Reserve Thresholds: You must prove lawful acquisition of funds, hold at least $500,000 in settlement/reserve funds, and hit the minimum investment capital (≥ $1 million).

  • Age and English Limits: Main applicants generally need to be 55 or younger and meet English language requirements (e.g., IELTS score of 5.0+).

  • Scale of Operation: The business must already employ at least 5 full-time equivalent staff members, meaning very micro-businesses or sole-trader setups with no employees typically will not qualify.

To help narrow down whether a visa matches your situation, could you tell me:

  • What industry or type of small business do you currently run?
  • Roughly how much capital/investment funds (NZD) you are planning to deploy?
  • What your current age and level of business experience (in years) are?
Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand country setting

I already run a small business and I'm considering moving with my partner to buy or operate one in New Zealand. What visa options might fit me, what could rule me out, and what else would you need to know?

AI Overview

New Zealand’s business immigration system has shifted away from starting small businesses from scratch. The old Entrepreneur Work Visa is officially closed to new applications. Instead, the system now focuses heavily on investing in, buying, or partnering with established, job-creating businesses.

Your partner can be included in your application, giving them open working rights in New Zealand.

💼 What Visa Options Might Fit You?

The primary pathway for active business owners is the Business Investor Work Visa. This is a 4-year work-to-residence visa designed for people who want to buy at least a 25% stake in—or completely acquire—an existing Kiwi company.

There are two pathways depending on your capital:

  • The Standard Pathway ($1 Million NZD): You invest a minimum of $1 million NZD into an eligible business, unlocking a pathway to permanent residence after 3 years of active management.
  • The Fast-Track Pathway ($2 Million NZD): You invest a minimum of $2 million NZD, allowing you to fast-track your permanent residence after just 12 months.

Alternative option: If you have significantly more capital but prefer a hands-off approach (investing in stocks, bonds, or venture capital rather than running a daily operation), look into the Active Investor Plus Visa , which requires a minimum investment of $5 million to $10 million NZD.

🛑 What Could Rule You Out?

New Zealand has strict, non-negotiable baselines for business migrants. You may be ruled out if you cannot meet the following criteria:

  • Age and Funds Constraints: You must be 55 years old or younger and hold at least $500,000 NZD in liquid reserve funds to support your family, entirely separate from your business investment money.
  • Lack of Proven Track Record: You must show at least 3 years of prior business experience , which requires having owned a business with a turnover of $1 million NZD+ or one that employed 5+ full-time staff.
  • Business Restrictions: You cannot buy just any business. The target business must have been trading for 5+ years and already employ at least 5 full-time staff. Furthermore, Immigration New Zealand explicitly excludes certain sectors , including drop-shipping, labour hire, home-based businesses, tobacco, gambling, convenience stores, and fast-food outlets. (Note: Franchises are eligible, provided they meet the size and history rules).
  • Job Creation Requirements: To successfully secure your residency later, your business must remain solvent, maintain its 5 staff members, and create at least 1 new full-time role for a New Zealand citizen or resident.
  • Health, Character, and Language: A history of business bankruptcy within the last 5 years will rule you out. You, your partner, and any children must pass medical exams, provide clean police certificates, and meet English language benchmarks (minimum IELTS 5.0 or equivalent).

❓ What Else Do We Need to Know?

Because the rules are highly technical, narrowing down your best move depends on a few specific details about your current setup.

If you would like to map out the next steps, tell us:

  1. What industry is your current business in, and are you looking to buy a business in that same field?

  2. What is your budget for a business purchase (e.g., meeting the $1M or $2M NZD threshold), and do you have the additional $500k NZD liquid cash reserves?

  3. What is your timeline for moving?

Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026