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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

New Zealand visa options for an experienced hotel or restaurant manager seeking year-round work

New Zealand visa options for experienced hotel or restaurant managers

For an experienced hotel or restaurant manager seeking year-round work in New Zealand, the main pathways to investigate are an employer-sponsored work visa, a potential residence pathway, and — depending on your nationality and circumstances — a working holiday or other temporary visa.

The key distinction is whether you want to work in New Zealand temporarily or build a longer-term career with the possibility of residence.

Hotel and restaurant management can be relevant to skilled migration, but eligibility depends on the actual duties, salary, qualifications, experience and employer. A manager's job title alone does not guarantee a visa or residence eligibility.

1. Main visa options

1. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

Main work visa to investigate

Suitable for an experienced manager who secures a qualifying job offer from a New Zealand accredited employer.

  • The job must normally offer at least 30 hours per week.
  • You generally need at least 2 years of relevant work experience or a relevant qualification at NZQCF Level 4 or above, subject to the applicable rules.
  • The visa may allow a stay of up to 5 years, depending on the job and circumstances.
  • It is tied to the employer and job specified in your visa conditions.

Best suited to: hotel managers, restaurant managers and other genuine hospitality management roles with an employer willing and eligible to recruit internationally.

Official details: Accredited Employer Work Visa (Immigration NZ). Accredited Employer Work Visa » Immigration New Zealand

2. Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa

Long-term residence option

This is worth investigating if your goal is to settle permanently rather than repeatedly renew a work visa.

New Zealand's SMC has a points-based pathway and a skilled work experience pathway, as well as a trades and technician pathway for eligible occupations. The relevant requirements include a skilled job or offer, pay thresholds and the criteria for the chosen pathway. Getting New Zealand residence through the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) :: Immigration New Zealand

Important for hospitality managers: as of October 2026, accommodation and hospitality manager, hotel or motel manager, hotel service manager, and café or restaurant manager appear on the SMC Amber List for the Skilled Work Experience pathway. That means additional requirements apply. Further changes to the Skilled Migrant Category to come into effect on 24 August 2026 :: Immigration New ZealandRed and Amber List occupations :: Immigration New Zealand

Official details: Skilled Migrant Category residence pathways.

3. Working holiday visa

This may be an option if your passport, age and circumstances qualify under a New Zealand working holiday scheme.

It can be useful for entering the job market and gaining local experience, but it is temporary and may restrict the duration or nature of work. It should not be assumed to provide a direct residence pathway.

Best suited to: eligible younger applicants who want flexibility while exploring opportunities.

Check the country-specific conditions at Immigration New Zealand's visa finder.

2. Can a hotel or restaurant manager qualify for residence?

Potentially, yes — but there is an important distinction between having extensive overseas management experience and meeting the New Zealand residence rules.

For the SMC Skilled Work Experience pathway, the current Amber List rules for the relevant hospitality management occupations require:

  • Pay of at least 1.2 times the applicable SMC wage threshold.
  • At least 3 years of relevant work experience in New Zealand in an ANZSCO skill level 1–3 occupation.
  • An additional 2 years of skilled work experience in New Zealand at the specified pay threshold.

These requirements make this particular residence route demanding for someone arriving from overseas, even if they have many years of management experience. Red and Amber List occupations :: Immigration New ZealandGetting New Zealand residence through the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) :: Immigration New Zealand

The SMC points-based pathway may be worth checking separately if you have a recognised degree or sufficiently high earnings. Your occupation, qualification and salary all matter.

Do not assume that a hotel or restaurant manager automatically qualifies for a Green List residence visa. Check the actual occupation and its current requirements before relying on that route.

3. Finding year-round management jobs

For a permanent or ongoing job rather than seasonal work, focus your search on:

  • Hotels and accommodation: hotel general manager, hotel operations manager, front office manager and accommodation manager.
  • Restaurants and hospitality groups: restaurant manager, multi-site operations manager, food and beverage manager and venue manager.
  • Larger employers: hotel chains, resorts with year-round operations, established restaurant groups and conference hotels.

Prioritise employers who are accredited to hire migrants, and ask whether they will support an AEWV application. Accreditation alone does not mean an employer has approval to hire a migrant for every vacancy. The specific job must meet the relevant requirements. Accredited Employer Work Visa » Immigration New Zealand

A practical application strategy:

  1. Prepare a CV that emphasises team size, budgets, revenue, cost control, staff recruitment, compliance and operational responsibility.
  2. Document your experience with employment certificates, employer references, payslips or tax records where available.
  3. Include qualifications and evidence of English proficiency if applicable.
  4. Confirm the employer's accreditation and the role's visa eligibility before accepting an offer.
  5. Compare the offered salary with both the market rate and any residence-pathway wage thresholds.

New Zealand's AEWV rules generally prohibit employers or recruitment agents from charging migrants for the job or passing on recruitment costs. Be cautious of anyone selling a guaranteed job or visa. Accredited Employer Work Visa » Immigration New Zealand

4. Which option is most relevant to you?

To narrow this down, the most useful details are your nationality, management experience and qualifications. You do not need to provide personal identifying information.

Find your likely visa pathway

With these details, I can give you a more targeted assessment of which visa routes to investigate, what type of employer to approach, and whether your experience could support a longer-term residence plan.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand country setting

New Zealand visa options for an experienced hotel or restaurant manager seeking year-round work

For an experienced hotel or restaurant manager seeking year-round, full-time employment in New Zealand, the immigration landscape centers heavily on employer-sponsored work visas. Because senior hospitality management positions require specialized skills, several main visa pathways and options apply.

1. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

The AEWV is the primary temporary work visa route for filling management roles in New Zealand's hospitality sector.

  • The Process: Your prospective employer must be an accredited sponsor with Immigration New Zealand (INZ), pass a "Job Check" to prove that no suitable local worker could be found for the role, and offer you a genuine, full-time position (at least 30 hours per week).
  • Skill & Pay Levels: Hotel and restaurant manager roles typically fall under ANZSCO skill levels 1 to 3. The salary offered must meet the market rate for the position.
  • Duration: For roles classified at skill levels 1 to 3, the maximum continuous stay on an AEWV is typically up to 5 years.

2. Pathways to Residence

If your long-term goal is to settle permanently in New Zealand while performing year-round management work, you can look toward residency frameworks:

  • Skilled Migrant Category (SMC): You can apply for residence through the SMC point-based system if you secure skilled employment with an accredited employer. Points are awarded based on your age, recognized formal qualifications, professional experience, and the wage tied to your skilled job offer.
  • Green List / Sector Updates: While certain lower-level hospitality roles have faced strict controls, higher-level management and specialized positions are continually evaluated under immigration settings. Always verify the current Green List status at the time of your application, as eligible management roles can sometimes offer direct or work-to-residence pathways.

3. Working Holiday Visas (An Alternative Stepping Stone)

If you fall into the eligible age bracket (typically 18–30 or up to 35 depending on your country of citizenship) and hold passport nationality from one of New Zealand’s partner countries:

  • A Working Holiday Visa allows you to live and work in New Zealand flexibly for 12 to 23 months.
  • While it is generally designed for temporary or seasonal travel-work, many experienced managers use it to enter the country, network face-to-face with major hotel chains or restaurant groups, prove their management capabilities on the ground, and secure an employer-backed AEWV transition for long-term, year-round stability.

Key Requirements & Tips for Success

  • Employer Accreditation: Always confirm that a prospective employer holds active accreditation before signing an employment agreement. Non-accredited businesses cannot support an AEWV.
  • Documentation: Prepare comprehensive proof of your managerial career, including detailed reference letters highlighting your oversight of staff, budgeting, inventory, and operations, alongside your formal qualifications and food safety or liquor licensing credentials.
  • Market Rates: Ensure your contract explicitly states a salary that satisfies both the market rate benchmark and any applicable immigration thresholds.

Are you planning to apply from overseas with a specific management background (e.g., corporate hotel operations vs. independent fine dining), or are you already onshore in New Zealand?

Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand country setting

New Zealand visa options for an experienced hotel or restaurant manager seeking year-round work

For an experienced hotel or restaurant manager looking for year-round work in New Zealand , the immigration landscape centers around employer-sponsored work visas and points-based residence pathways.

The primary visa options and requirements include:

1. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

The Accredited Employer Work Visa is the main temporary work visa for year-round employment in New Zealand.

  • The Role: Must be full-time (at least 30 hours per week) as a hotel/motel manager, accommodation and hospitality manager, or café/restaurant manager.

  • The Employer: Your prospective employer must hold active accreditation with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and complete a Job Check before you can apply.

  • Requirements: You must have the necessary matching work experience (typically at least 2 years of relevant experience) or appropriate qualifications, and be paid the market rate matching or exceeding the median wage or sector thresholds. [Immigration New Zealand]

  • Duration: Visas for ANZSCO Skill Level 4/5 roles generally allow a maximum continuous stay of up to 3 years, though policy updates allow up to 5 years for higher-skilled or specific-threshold roles. [Immigration New Zealand]

2. Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) & Amber List Pathways

If you intend to transition from temporary work to permanent residence, New Zealand features a points-based Skilled Migrant Category.

  • Amber List Designations: Hospitality management roles such as Café or Restaurant Manager and Hotel or Motel Manager are classified under specific Amber List frameworks rather than Tier 1/Tier 2 Green Lists.

  • Residence Criteria: Under these pathways, gaining residence typically requires meeting specific remuneration benchmarks (e.g., earning at least a multiplier of the standard Skilled Migrant wage threshold) alongside accumulating a required period of skilled work experience in New Zealand.

Key Steps to Get Started

  1. Verify Your ANZSCO Classification: Ensure your exact responsibilities map clearly to standard definitions like Hotel or Motel Manager (141311) or Café or Restaurant Manager (141111).
  2. Secure a Job Offer: Search for vacancies across major tourism and hospitality hubs (such as Auckland, Queenstown, or Christchurch) with companies that explicitly state they are accredited to hire migrant workers.
  3. Check Thresholds: Confirm that the offered salary meets current INZ market rate and median wage requirements.

If you'd like, let me know:

  • Your exact years of management experience and formal qualifications
  • Whether you are looking at hotel operations or restaurant/café management

I can provide more tailored advice on salary thresholds or the points system breakdown.

Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand country setting

New Zealand visa options for an experienced hotel or restaurant manager seeking year-round work

AI Overview

Experienced hotel or restaurant managers seeking full-time, year-round work in New Zealand primarily utilize the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Senior management roles also clear a viable path to permanent residency under Immigration New Zealand's specialized Amber List skilled residence framework.

Because these positions fall under ANZSCO Skill Level 2 (high skill), applicants avoid the stricter time-limits and seasonal restrictions applied to lower-skilled tiers.

1. Temporary Work Visa: AEWV

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the primary temporary pathway to work year-round in New Zealand.

  • The Prerequisite: You must secure a full-time job offer (minimum 30 hours per week) from a New Zealand employer who holds active INZ accreditation.
  • The "Job Check": The employer must complete a job check, showing they advertised locally and could not find a New Zealand citizen or resident to fill the vacancy.
  • Applicant Requirements: You must have at least 2 years of relevant professional hospitality management experience OR a relevant qualification at New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) Level 4 or higher.
  • Stay Duration: As a Skill Level 2 role, an approved AEWV can grant a stay of up to 5 years.

2. Pathways to Permanent Residence

Under New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), senior roles like Café or Restaurant Managers (ANZSCO 141111) and Hotel or Motel Managers (ANZSCO 141311) are classified on the Amber List. This status dictates your path to a resident visa:

  • The Skilled Work Experience Pathway: To gain residency through your management experience alone, you must accumulate 5 years of skilled work experience , including at least 2 years of New Zealand work experience.
  • The Amber List Wage Threshold: While working those 2 years in New Zealand, you must be paid at or above 1.2 times the SMC median wage (approximately $42.00 NZD per hour).
  • Alternative 6-Point System: If you do not want to wait for the Amber List experience pathway, you can still apply via the standard SMC 6-Point system. However, you must claim points using a high-level qualification (like a Bachelor's or Master's degree) or an exceptionally high income threshold (earning 2x to 3x the median wage) alongside your job offer.

Comparison of Key Management Pathways

Metric / Requirement Temporary Work (AEWV) Skilled Residence (Amber List Pathway)
Primary Focus Immediate, full-time employment Permanent residency status
Minimum Pay Standard market rate / median wage 1.2x SMC median wage (~$42.00 NZD/hr)
Experience Needed 2 years of relevant experience 5 years overall (inc. 2 years in NZ)
Visa Cost (Starting) From NZD $1,540 From NZD $4,890 –$6,450
INZ Age Limit None Must be 55 years old or younger

Critical Operational Note

When applying for either visa, Immigration New Zealand scrutinizes hospitality manager applications closely. Your employer must provide a detailed job description showing that you hold genuine operational and financial authority (e.g., controlling budgets, hiring/firing staff, and directing total daily establishment strategy). If the role functions more like a hands-on shift supervisor or duty manager, INZ may reclassify it at a lower skill level, which restricts residency pathways.

To tailor this information, feel free to share:

  • Your exact current job title and whether you hold a formal hospitality qualification.
  • Your total years of experience managing a hotel or restaurant.
  • Whether you are looking to apply from offshore or are already on a temporary visa within New Zealand.
Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026