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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

can an overseas-qualified electrician find work in New Zealand before getting registered?

Yes — an overseas-qualified electrician can potentially find work in New Zealand before becoming fully registered, but the type of work they can legally do is restricted.

The key distinction is between getting a job with an electrical contractor and being legally authorised to carry out electrical work independently. Your overseas qualifications and experience can help you get hired, but they do not automatically give you the right to perform all electrical work in New Zealand.

What jobs can you do before registration?

Type of work Possible before registration?
Electrical trade assistant Yes, generally
Electrical labourer or installation assistant Yes, within permitted duties
Work under supervision while pursuing registration Potentially, if you have the appropriate authorisation
Fully qualified electrician carrying out restricted electrical work independently No, unless appropriately registered and licensed
Electrical work outside the restricted-work rules Potentially, depending on the work and applicable requirements

New Zealand has specific rules about who can perform prescribed electrical work. Simply working under an electrician does not automatically authorise you to do every task.

The best route for an overseas-qualified electrician

The Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) has a specific pathway for overseas-trained electricians. Becoming registered for overseas-trained applicantsLimited Certificates

  1. Apply for registration assessment

Submit your overseas qualifications and evidence of work experience through the EWRB portal. For the electrician registration class, the standard overseas pathway requires four years (8,000 hours) of relevant practical experience, including at least one year of building wiring installation experience. Electrician

  1. Apply for a Limited Certificate if invited

If your application meets the relevant requirements, the EWRB can invite you to apply for a Limited Certificate. This allows you to gain the required New Zealand experience under an appropriately registered and licensed supervisor, subject to your certificate's conditions. Limited CertificatesBecoming registered for overseas-trained applicants

  1. Complete any outstanding requirements

Your assessment letter will specify any required courses, examinations, practical assessments or additional experience.

  1. Obtain your practising licence

Once you satisfy the registration and licensing requirements, you can work within the scope of your New Zealand authorisation. Becoming registered for overseas-trained applicantsLicences

Official resources:

The EWRB currently lists an overseas registration application fee of NZ$1,650 including GST and an assessment timeframe of approximately 16 weeks once a complete application is ready for assessment. Additional licensing, training or assessment costs may apply. Becoming registered for overseas-trained applicantsApplication processing timeframes

You would also need the appropriate New Zealand visa or immigration status permitting you to work, if applicable.

Let me narrow this down for your situation

One important question: Which country did you qualify as an electrician in?

For example, the UK, Australia, South Africa, India or another country. This matters because the recognition pathway and requirements can differ, and Australian-licensed electricians may have a separate route. I can then explain whether you could realistically secure a job before full registration and which types of roles to target.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand country setting

can an overseas-qualified electrician find work in New Zealand before getting registered?

In New Zealand, you cannot legally carry out prescribed electrical work independently or as a full electrician before you are registered and hold a current practising licence issued by the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB).

However, you can still find work under specific conditions while completing your New Zealand registration requirements:

  • Working Under a Limited Certificate: You can legally work in the industry if you apply to the EWRB first and obtain a Limited Certificate. This certificate allows you to perform prescribed electrical work under the active supervision of a licensed New Zealand electrician while you complete any required local bridging courses, safety training, or practical assessments.
  • Non-Electrical Roles or Employment Support: Some overseas electricians secure employment with electrical companies in supportive roles (such as technical coordination, estimating, or project management) or as general electrical laborers while waiting for their formal EWRB assessment and registration pathway to clear.

Steps to Work and Get Registered

  1. Apply to the EWRB: Submit your overseas qualifications, evidence of training, and detailed work history/hours to the EWRB.
  2. Review Outcome Letter: The EWRB will evaluate your documents and issue an outcome letter specifying what examinations, short courses (such as regulations or safety training), or practical experience you need to bridge any gaps.
  3. Secure a Limited Certificate: This acts as your legal pathway to earn an income and log the required supervised hours or practical stages under a local employer.

Are you currently in the process of submitting your qualifications to the EWRB, or are you looking into specific visa and job market options?

Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand country setting

can an overseas-qualified electrician find work in New Zealand before getting registered?

No, you cannot legally perform "prescribed electrical work" (PEW) independently or unsupervised in New Zealand without some form of authorization from the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB)****. Performing electrical work unregistered or unlicensed carries severe penalties, including fines of up to $50,000 or imprisonment.

However, you can transition into working under a supervised arrangement while completing your full registration requirements.

How to Find Work and Legal Status Pathway

  1. Apply for Assessment First: You must first submit an application to the EWRB Overseas-Trained Electrician Pathway. Electrician | Electrical Workers Registration Board
  2. Receive Your Assessment and Limited Certificate: Once your overseas qualifications and work history are assessed, the EWRB will provide an assessment letter outlining any local gaps (such as specific exams, practical hours, or safety courses) and issue a Limited Certificate.
  3. Work Under Supervision: A Limited Certificate allows you to legally undertake electrical work in New Zealand only under the supervision of a licensed, registered New Zealand electrician who holds a valid supervision agreement with you. This allows you to earn an income and gain local practical experience while finishing the formal registration process.

If you're planning your move, I can help with:

  • The documentation and qualification evidence required by the EWRB
  • Typical processing timeframes for overseas applications
  • How to find employers who offer approved supervision agreements

Let me know what specific information you'd like to explore next.

Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand country setting

can an overseas-qualified electrician find work in New Zealand before getting registered?

AI Overview

Yes, an overseas-qualified electrician can find work in New Zealand before achieving full registration, but they cannot legally perform independent electrical work right away.

To work legally on-site, you must first apply to the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) for an assessment of your qualifications. If your assessment is successful, you will be granted a Limited Certificate , which permits you to complete regulated electrical work under the supervision of a fully licensed New Zealand electrical worker while you work toward your local examinations and full registration.

Many Kiwi employers routinely offer conditional job contracts to overseas "sparkies" pending this EWRB assessment, which can subsequently be used to secure an accredited work visa.

The Temporary Working Pathway

To understand how you transition from an overseas qualification to working legally on a New Zealand job site, the step-by-step pathway functions as follows:

  • Step 1: Apply for EWRB Assessment: You must submit your foreign trade certificates, transcripts, and verified work history (typically proving 8,000 hours or roughly 4 years of experience) through the EWRB Portal. The overseas assessment fee is $1,650 NZD.
  • Step 2: Secure a Supervision Agreement & Limited Certificate: Once the EWRB reviews your profile, they will issue an assessment letter. Once you have a job offer, your employer must sign a Supervision Agreement. This grants you a Limited Certificate , valid for up to 24 months, which legally permits you to earn an income doing hands-on electrical work under supervision.
  • Step 3: Complete Local Requirements: While working on your Limited Certificate, you will complete the local gaps identified in your assessment—typically an electrical regulations exam, a theory exam, and a practical competency course.

Visa and the Green List

Because "Electrician (General)" is featured on New Zealand’s Green List , the migration pathway for tradespeople is highly streamlined.

  • Job Offers: Employers are often highly motivated to hire overseas applicants because of massive nationwide shortages. They can offer a contract stating you will work under supervision via a Limited Certificate while transitioning to your full license.
  • Residency: Securing a qualifying electrical job with an accredited employer opens up a direct Work-to-Residence pathway after 24 months of working in New Zealand.

Exception for Australians: If you hold an electrical license from an Australian state, your credentials fall under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement. Your skills are recognized almost immediately, allowing you to skip the standard overseas assessment workflow.

If you are planning your move, let me know:

  • What country your qualifications are from?
  • Roughly how many hours of practical experience you have logged?
  • Whether you have already started looking for an accredited employer?

I can give you specific details on timelines or what paperwork your employer will need to sign.

Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026