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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

best places in New Zealand for affordable postgraduate study and career opportunities

Best places in New Zealand for affordable postgraduate study and career opportunities

If you want to study for a postgraduate qualification in New Zealand without spending too much, while also improving your job prospects, I would compare Hamilton, Palmerston North, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Auckland.

The best choice depends on your subject, whether you're a domestic or international student, and how much you need to earn after graduation. A smaller city can offer lower living costs, while a larger city may offer a wider range of employers and internships.

Top 5 places to consider

1. Hamilton

Best overall balance

Hamilton is worth considering for postgraduate study in business, IT, engineering, agriculture, environmental science, and health-related fields.

  • University: University of Waikato.
  • Career opportunities: Technology, agribusiness, logistics, healthcare, and professional services.
  • Affordability: Often a more manageable housing option than Auckland, although costs depend on your accommodation.
  • Best for: Students who want a university city with access to regional employers.

2. Palmerston North

Best for keeping living costs down

This is a strong option if your priority is controlling expenses while pursuing a research-based or taught postgraduate degree.

  • University: Massey University.
  • Career opportunities: Agriculture, food science, animal science, logistics, public services, and research.
  • Affordability: Worth comparing for shared housing and everyday expenses.
  • Best for: Agriculture, food technology, veterinary-related research, and selected business or science programmes.

3. Christchurch

Best for engineering and technology

Christchurch combines a major university with a diverse economy and employers across several technical industries.

  • University: University of Canterbury and Lincoln University.
  • Career opportunities: Engineering, construction, software, electronics, agriculture, environmental management, and health technology.
  • Affordability: A good city to compare against Auckland for rent and transport costs.
  • Best for: Engineering, computer science, applied technology, and environmental or land-based study.

4. Dunedin

Best for academic and research pathways

Dunedin is a university-focused city that may suit students who value research, academic support, and a compact urban environment.

  • University: University of Otago.
  • Career opportunities: Health sciences, biomedical research, education, research support, and selected IT and business roles.
  • Affordability: Compare room rentals and the full annual cost of living; student demand can affect housing prices.
  • Best for: Health sciences, laboratory research, biomedical fields, and research-oriented postgraduate study.

5. Auckland

Best for the broadest employment market

Auckland generally offers the widest variety of employers, although housing and living costs can make studying there more expensive.

  • Universities: University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology.
  • Career opportunities: Finance, consulting, software, data analytics, marketing, logistics, healthcare, and multinational companies.
  • Affordability: More attractive if you can secure affordable shared accommodation, a scholarship, or relevant paid work.
  • Best for: Students who prioritise networking, internships, and access to a large range of employers.

Which city offers the best value?

City Cost-conscious study Career-market breadth Strongest fit
Hamilton Good Good IT, health, agribusiness
Palmerston North Good More specialised Agriculture, food science, research
Christchurch Good to moderate Good Engineering, technology, construction
Dunedin Good to moderate More specialised Health sciences, research
Auckland Usually more expensive Very broad Finance, business, technology

These are general comparisons, not guaranteed rankings of rent or employment. New Zealand's official study portal notes that living costs depend on where and how you live. Tuition fees and cost of livingNew Zealand cities and regions

How much should you budget?

For 2026 planning, the official Study with New Zealand website gives these indicative tuition ranges for international students:

  • Postgraduate degrees: approximately NZ$20,000–$45,000 per year, with some specialised programmes costing more.
  • PhD programmes: approximately NZ$6,500–$7,500 per year for most subjects when international students qualify for domestic-rate PhD fees.

These are broad estimates, not quotes for a particular programme. Domestic fees can be substantially different, so check the exact course and eligibility. Tuition fees and cost of livingPostgraduate fees for domestic students

To reduce your total costs, compare scholarships, shared accommodation, course duration, transport costs, and whether the programme includes an internship or industry project.

Which fields are worth considering for employment?

New Zealand has established employment sectors in healthcare, engineering, construction, business and finance, science, and agriculture. However, job availability varies by occupation, region, experience, and work eligibility. Main job sectors in New Zealand :: Immigration New ZealandCareers by Sector in New Zealand

My practical recommendations are:

  • IT, data analytics or software: Compare Auckland, Christchurch and Hamilton.
  • Business, accounting or finance: Start with Auckland, then compare Hamilton and Christchurch.
  • Engineering or construction management: Look at Christchurch and Hamilton, as well as Auckland for a wider employer base.
  • Agriculture, food science or environmental science: Consider Palmerston North, Hamilton and Lincoln.
  • Health sciences or biomedical research: Compare Dunedin, Hamilton and Auckland, paying attention to professional registration requirements where relevant.

If you are an international student, verify post-study work visa eligibility and the qualification-specific rules before enrolling. A postgraduate qualification does not guarantee a job or a visa.

Let me narrow this down for you

The most useful recommendation will depend on your circumstances. Tell me these three things:

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand country setting

best places in New Zealand for affordable postgraduate study and career opportunities

When evaluating New Zealand at the country level for affordable postgraduate study combined with solid career opportunities, the strategy involves balancing regional living costs and tuition rates against local job market depth.

While major metropolitan centers like Auckland and Wellington offer the largest absolute concentration of corporate and government career opportunities, they also carry the highest cost of living (particularly rent). Conversely, regional and secondary urban hubs provide significantly lower living expenses while hosting strong specialized industries and universities with competitive tuition fees.

The top regional and urban choices across New Zealand that strike this balance include:

1. Christchurch & Canterbury Region

  • The Study Advantage: Christchurch is home to the University of Canterbury and Lincoln University (specializing in agriculture, environmental science, and land-based systems). Tuition fees and structural living costs here are notably more affordable than in Auckland, and both universities feature extensive scholarship pools.
  • Career Opportunities: Christchurch has evolved into an innovation, technology, and engineering hub due to its post-earthquake rebuild and modern infrastructure. There is robust demand for postgraduates in tech, civil engineering, green energy, agriculture, and healthcare.

2. Hamilton & the Waikato Region

  • The Study Advantage: Centered around the University of Waikato, Hamilton offers a lower cost of living compared to Auckland and Wellington, alongside a vibrant student population and competitive postgraduate program pricing.
  • Career Opportunities: Hamilton is a rapidly growing economic center with strong industry links in agricultural technology, software development, cyber security, supply chain, and environmental sciences. Its proximity to Auckland also gives graduates easy access to New Zealand's largest commercial market while avoiding Auckland rental prices during their studies.

3. Palmerston North & the Manawatū Region

  • The Study Advantage: Dominated by Massey University, Palmerston North is a quintessential student-centric city with exceptionally low living costs. Massey is recognized for having some of the most competitive base tuition rates among New Zealand's universities and robust distance/on-campus postgraduate flexibility.
  • Career Opportunities: The region is a national powerhouse for agritech, food science, logistics, and public sector research. It attracts postgraduate talent looking for niche industry connections without the financial strain of larger metros.

4. Dunedin & the Otago Region

  • The Study Advantage: Home to the University of Otago, Dunedin is New Zealand's premier traditional university city, where a massive portion of the population consists of students. While rental markets can be competitive near the campus, general living expenses remain far lower than in Auckland, and the university offers world-class research infrastructure.
  • Career Opportunities: Otago commands a global reputation for health sciences, biomedical research, surveying, and marine science. For graduates in these fields, the university's strong alumni network and institutional reputation provide pathways into regional health boards, environmental agencies, and research institutes across New Zealand.

Key National Factors to Keep in Mind:

  • Post-Study Work Visas: New Zealand immigration policy allows international postgraduate students (levels 8 through 10, such as Postgraduate Diplomas and Master’s degrees) to qualify for a 3-year Post-Study Work Visa, allowing you to work for any accredited employer anywhere in the country after graduation.
  • The "Sweet Spot" Strategy: Choosing a university in a secondary hub (like Christchurch, Hamilton, or Palmerston North) lets you minimize debt accumulation during your studies via lower rent, while still positioning yourself to tap into New Zealand’s nationwide job shortages or transition to larger cities once you hold local qualification credentials.
Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand country setting

best places in New Zealand for affordable postgraduate study and career opportunities

When balancing affordability (tuition and living costs) with strong career outcomes for postgraduate study in New Zealand, regional university hubs outside of Auckland generally offer the best financial relief while maintaining solid industry connections.

Evaluating New Zealand at the national level highlights several key regions and institutions matching these criteria:

1. Palmerston North / Manawatū Region

  • Primary Institution: Massey University (Flagship Manawatū campus) Best Student Cities in New Zealand 2026 - Study

  • Affordability Factor: Considerably lower living and rental costs compared to Auckland or Wellington. Tuition fees for postgraduate programmes at Massey are competitively structured.

  • Career Opportunities: A massive national hub for agri-science, veterinary medicine, food technology, and logistics. It has deep ties to major primary-sector employers (like Fonterra) and scientific research institutes (such as AgResearch), providing a direct pipeline from postgrad research to employment.

2. Dunedin / Otago Region

  • Primary Institution: University of Otago New Zealand Universities: Complete Guide & Comparison 2025

  • Affordability Factor: Dunedin is a classic, compact student city where housing and general living expenses are significantly cheaper than major metropolitan centres. It offers a dense, walkable campus lifestyle that minimizes daily transport costs.

  • Career Opportunities: World-renowned for health sciences, biomedical research, public health, and applied sciences. The local health sector and regional research networks offer robust postgrad employment pathways, and the university brand carries strong national and international weight.

3. Christchurch / Canterbury Region

  • Primary Institution: University of Canterbury (and nearby Lincoln University for land-based/environmental disciplines)

  • Affordability Factor: Christchurch provides a balanced cost-of-living profile—more affordable than Auckland—with modern post-earthquake infrastructure and relatively accessible rental options.

  • Career Opportunities: A powerhouse for engineering, data science, tech innovation, environmental management, and forestry. Christchurch’s growing business sector, tech ecosystem, and heavy investment in infrastructure engineering make it an exceptional launchpad for technical postgrads.

4. Hamilton / Waikato Region

  • Primary Institution: University of Waikato

  • Affordability Factor: Hamilton boasts lower average tuition rates for many postgraduate degrees combined with a lower cost of living than the upper North Island alternatives.

  • Career Opportunities: Strong regional economy anchored in agri-tech, software development, education, and environmental sciences. Proximity to the broader golden triangle (Auckland-Hamilton-Tauranga) economic corridor grants graduates access to a wide job market while avoiding high Auckland living expenses.

If you can share your intended field of study (e.g., IT, Business, Engineering, Health) and whether you are a domestic or international student , I can narrow down which specific university and region will give you the best return on investment.

Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand country setting

best places in New Zealand for affordable postgraduate study and career opportunities

AI Overview

New Zealand offers excellent value for postgraduate study, balancing world-class academic institutions (all eight universities rank in the top 2% globally) with strong post-study work visa rights (up to 3 years). Finding the "best place" involves looking at regions outside the most expensive hubs where lower living costs intersect with high-demand career pathways.

💰 Most Affordable Regions for Postgraduate Study

Tuition fees vary by program, but international master's degrees generally range between NZ$29,000 and NZ$45,000 annually. However, living costs dictates total affordability. Choosing regions outside of Auckland generally lowers accommodation costs by 20% to 40%.

  • The Canterbury Region (Christchurch & Lincoln): Canterbury strikes a strong balance between a relatively low cost of living and robust academic infrastructure.
  • Top Institutions: University of Canterbury (highly rated for engineering and science) and Lincoln University (specialized land-based university).
  • Affordability Edge: Lincoln University offers highly competitive specialized postgraduate fees (often starting around NZ$32,830) and boasts an impressive 84% graduate employment rate.
  • The Waikato Region (Hamilton): Hamilton is highly recognized as one of the most cost-effective student environments in the country.
  • Top Institution: University of Waikato.
  • Affordability Edge: Postgraduate programs offer highly competitive regional pricing, and local student rent typically sits well below the national major city average.
  • The Otago/Southland Region ( Dunedin & Invercargill): A major academic hub with a deep-rooted student culture.
  • Top Institutions: University of Otago and Southern Institute of Technology (SIT).
  • Affordability Edge: While Otago's tuition aligns with national standards, Dunedin's student flatting infrastructure keeps expenses low. Meanwhile, SIT in Invercargill provides highly specialized, applied postgraduate qualifications with significantly lowered fee structures.

🚀 High-Yield Career Opportunities by Field

The best way to maximize returns on a postgraduate degree is to target fields listed on New Zealand's official immigration Green List. Aligning your study location with regional industries optimizes local network building and internships:

Industry / Discipline Regional Strongholds High-Demand Careers
Engineering & Construction Canterbury, Waikato Civil Engineers • Structural Engineers • Quantity Surveyors • Project Managers
Information Technology Canterbury Software Developers • Cybersecurity Analysts • Data Science Experts
Agribusiness & Environmental Sciences Canterbury (Lincoln), Waikato Agricultural Managers • Environmental Consultants • Sustainability Advisors
Healthcare & Social Sciences Country-wide Registered Nurses • Mental Health Professionals • Healthcare Administrators

💡 Financial & Career Optimization Tips

  • Domestic Fees for PhDs: If you pursue a PhD rather than a Master's degree, international students qualify for domestic tuition rates (NZ$6,500 – NZ$9,000/year) across all NZ public universities.
  • Work Rights: Postgraduate Taught Master's students can work part-time (20 hours/week) during semesters and full-time during breaks. Research Master's and PhD students enjoy unlimited full-time work rights year-round.
  • Leverage Local Support: Utilize centralized resources like Careers New Zealand and university graduate portals such as Prosple New Zealand to scout local entry-level schemes and internships. nz.prosple.com

To narrow this down, let me know your intended field of study or whether you are aiming for a Master's or a PhD. I can provide specific tuition estimates and tailored university recommendations.

Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026