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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 small-business owner moving with a partner to buy or run a business

New Zealand visa options for a business owner moving with a partner

If you're an experienced small-business owner looking to relocate to New Zealand with your partner, the key question is whether you want to buy an existing business, establish a new one, or move to New Zealand to manage a business you already own.

Your experience may help demonstrate that you can operate a business successfully, but the visa route will also depend on your investment funds, the type of business, your intended role, and whether you want a pathway to residence.

One important distinction: buying a business does not automatically give you the right to live or work in New Zealand. You need an immigration pathway that permits the activities you intend to undertake, and your partner's visa rights must be assessed separately.

1. Main visa options to consider

A. Business Investor Work Visa

For hands-on owners

Investment: NZ$1 million or NZ$2 million in an eligible existing business, plus NZ$500,000 in reserve funds.

Stay: Up to 4 years initially.

Residence pathway: Potentially after 3 years with the NZ$1 million option, or after 12 months with the NZ$2 million option, subject to the requirements.

This is the most directly relevant route if you want to purchase an established business and actively manage it. You must be 55 or younger, demonstrate qualifying business experience and English ability, and satisfy the business and other eligibility criteria. Business Investor Work Visa » Immigration New ZealandBusiness investor visas pathway to residence :: Immigration New Zealand

Official visa requirements

B. Active Investor Plus Visa

For larger investors

Investment: NZ$5 million under the Growth category, or NZ$10 million under the Balanced category.

Stay: Indefinitely as a resident.

Permanent residence: Potentially after 3 years (Growth) or 5 years (Balanced), subject to the rules.

Consider this if you have substantial investment capital and want flexibility to invest in acceptable investments rather than rely on personally operating one small business. Not every business purchase qualifies as an acceptable investment under this visa. Active Investor Plus Visa » Immigration New ZealandVisas for investing and doing business in New Zealand :: Immigration New Zealand

Official visa requirements

C. Work visa through an employer

If your priority is relocating first and finding a business-related job, rather than buying a business immediately, an employer-sponsored work visa may be worth exploring. Eligibility depends on the job, employer and your circumstances.

This is not a business-purchase visa, and it does not automatically permit you to run your own business.

Explore New Zealand work visas

A note about starting a business from scratch

New Zealand's former Entrepreneur Work Visa category is closed to new applicants. The current Business Investor Work Visa is designed around purchasing and operating an established business, rather than simply submitting a plan for a new start-up. Entrepreneur Work Visa Guide (INZ 1221)Business Investor Work Visa » Immigration New Zealand

2. What kind of business can you buy?

Under the Business Investor Work Visa, the nominated business generally must:

  • Have traded for at least 5 years.
  • Be lawfully operating in New Zealand and meet relevant employment and immigration standards.
  • Have a purchase price of at least NZ$1 million, excluding property value and GST, resulting in you owning at least 25%.
  • Employ at least 5 full-time-equivalent staff.
  • Be a business you will actively run, rather than a passive investment.

Eligible franchise businesses were also brought within the rules from 6 July 2026, provided they meet the applicable requirements. Acceptable investments for a Business Investor Work Visa :: Immigration New ZealandBusiness Investor Work Visa updates to unlock wider investment opportunities :: Immigration New Zealand

This means a small business in the everyday sense — for example, a one-person consultancy or a tiny owner-operated shop — may not meet the visa's investment criteria even if it is profitable.

3. Can your partner move and work with you?

Yes, potentially. The business investor route provides a way to include your partner in the family application arrangements. Your partner may be granted a work visa, depending on the applicable requirements, and dependent children may qualify for student or visitor visas. Business Investor Work Visa » Immigration New ZealandBusiness Investor Resident Visa » Immigration New Zealand

A few points matter:

  • You will need evidence of a genuine relationship. Immigration New Zealand generally assesses partnership evidence such as living together, shared finances and joint responsibilities.
  • Your partner's right to work depends on the visa actually granted, not simply on being your partner.
  • For the later residence application, your partner will also need to meet the relevant health, character and other requirements.

Official guidance: Partnership and how to prove it.

4. Business Investor Work Visa: the financial and residence requirements

Here is the practical comparison if your goal is to own and operate a business.

Requirement Standard pathway Faster residence pathway
Business investment NZ$1 million+ NZ$2 million+
Additional reserve funds NZ$500,000+ NZ$500,000+
Potential eligibility for residence After 3 years After 12 months
Initial work visa Up to 4 years Up to 4 years
Age limit 55 or younger 55 or younger

The reserve funds are additional to the required business investment. The shorter residence timeline is not automatic: you must still meet the residence criteria, including actively operating the business and maintaining employment requirements. Even under the faster pathway, you must continue operating the business for at least 3 years in total across the relevant visas. Business Investor Work Visa » Immigration New ZealandBusiness Investor Resident Visa » Immigration New Zealand

For the residence pathway, the requirements include maintaining at least five full-time-equivalent employees, creating at least one additional full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident, keeping the business solvent, and spending at least 184 days per year in New Zealand during the relevant operating period. Business Investor Work Visa » Immigration New ZealandBusiness Investor Resident Visa » Immigration New Zealand

5. What I would establish before choosing a route

Your experience as a small-business owner is a useful starting point, but the following details will determine which options are realistic:

  • Your available capital: whether you can meet the investment and reserve-fund thresholds, or need a different route.
  • Your track record: how long you have owned or managed businesses, and the size and nature of those businesses.
  • Your intended involvement: whether you want to manage the business day to day, appoint a manager, or invest more passively.
  • Your age and nationality: both may affect which immigration routes are available.
  • Your partner's plans: whether they want to work, run a separate business, or simply accompany you.

Before committing to a business purchase, I would have a licensed New Zealand immigration adviser assess your proposed visa route and have a New Zealand accountant or lawyer check the business against the immigration criteria. A commercially attractive business is not necessarily an immigration-eligible one.

Let's narrow this down to your situation

These five details will help me narrow the options to those most relevant to you and your partner.

You can submit approximate answers. With those details, I can explain which routes appear viable, the likely investment requirements, and how your partner could accompany you and obtain work rights under current New Zealand rules.

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 small-business owner moving with a partner to buy or run a business

For experienced small-business owners looking to move to New Zealand with a partner to buy or operate a business, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) structures its pathways primarily around capital investment, active management, and job creation.

Depending on your capital, your intended business structure, and whether you want a start-up or an established enterprise, the primary visa options are outlined below.

1. Business Investor Work Visa (For Buying an Established Business)

This pathway is designed for hands-on business owners who want to buy into or take over an established New Zealand business and actively manage it. It serves as a work-to-residence pathway.

  • Investment Thresholds:
    • Standard Pathway: Invest at least NZD $1 million (excluding property value) to own at least 25% of an established, lawfully trading New Zealand business.
    • Fast-Track Pathway: Invest at least NZD $2 million.
  • Job Requirements: You must maintain the business's existing staff (at least 5 full-time equivalent jobs) and create at least 1 new full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident.
  • Additional Financials: You must show evidence of at least NZD $500,000 in reserve settlement funds for you and your partner.
  • Key Criteria: You must be 55 years or younger, have at least 3 years of relevant business experience, meet English language requirements (e.g., IELTS 5.0), and spend a minimum of 184 days a year in New Zealand while running the business.
  • Path to Residence:
    • Under the NZD $1 million standard pathway, you can apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa after 3 years of active operation.
    • Under the NZD $2 million fast-track pathway, you can apply after 12 months.

2. Entrepreneur Work Visa (For Start-ups or Lower Capital)

If you intend to launch a new start-up business or buy a smaller enterprise that doesn't meet the high capital thresholds of the Business Investor category, the Entrepreneur Work Visa is traditionally utilized, though it involves a strict points-based system and detailed economic viability assessments.

  • Minimum Capital Investment: Generally a minimum of NZD $100,000 in capital investment (excluding working capital/personal funds).
  • The Points System: You must achieve a minimum score (typically 120 points) based on factors like capital investment amount, business experience, economic benefit to New Zealand (e.g., export potential, innovation), and regional bonus points for operating outside major hubs like Auckland.
  • Business Plan: Requires a comprehensive business plan demonstrating viability and job creation.
  • Path to Residence: Operates via a staged approach (a 12-month start-up/establishment stage followed by a 24-month balance stage). After successfully running the business for 2 years, you can apply for the Entrepreneur Resident Visa.

3. Bringing Your Partner

Under both the Business Investor and Entrepreneur categories, your partner (legally married, civil union, or de facto) and dependent children can be included in your initial application.

  • Partner Work Rights: Your partner will typically be granted an open work visa linked to your application, allowing them to work for any employer, be self-employed, or study in New Zealand without needing a job offer of their own.

4. Active Investor Plus Visa (Alternative High-Net-Worth Option)

If your focus is broader passive or active investment across larger New Zealand asset classes (such as direct investments in private firms, managed funds, or listed equities) rather than hands-on management of a single small enterprise, the Active Investor Plus Visa is available:

  • Requires a minimum investment starting at NZD $5 million (depending on the asset category risk weighting, with direct investments weighted more heavily) over a 3-to-5-year period. This is a direct residence visa pathway.

Suggested Next Steps

  1. Define Your Capital & Strategy: Determine whether you plan to invest $1M+ into an existing mid-sized business (Business Investor) or build a smaller/start-up venture (Entrepreneur).
  2. Perform Due Diligence: Immigration New Zealand heavily scrutinizes the source of investment funds, business track records, and commercial viability plans. Gather certified documentation tracking your business ownership history and liquid assets.
  3. Consult a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA): Because business and investor immigration policies involve complex compliance, financial audits, and strict employment law standards in New Zealand, working with an LIA or an immigration lawyer based in New Zealand is strongly recommended before committing capital.

Are you leaning toward buying an established business or starting a new venture from scratch?

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 small-business owner moving with a partner to buy or run a business

For an experienced small-business owner looking to move to New Zealand with a partner to buy and actively operate a business, the primary dedicated pathway is the Business Investor Work Visa (which replaced the older Entrepreneur Work Visa). High-net-worth individuals with much larger capital can also look at the Active Investor Plus Visa.

The primary pathway details, criteria, and partner inclusions break down as follows:

1. Business Investor Work Visa

This work-to-residence visa is designed for experienced businesspeople who want to buy, invest in, and actively run an established trading business in New Zealand.

  • Key Requirements:

  • Age: 55 years or younger.

  • Experience: At least 3 years of direct business experience (such as owning a business with $1 million in annual revenue or managing 5+ employees).

  • English Language: Basic proficiency (e.g., IELTS score of 5.0).

  • Reserve Funds: At least NZD $500,000 in personal reserve/settlement funds for you and your family.

  • Health & Character: Must meet standard New Zealand immigration requirements.

  • Investment & Residence Pathways:

  • Standard Track (NZD $𝟏 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 investment): Invest a minimum of NZD $1 million

into a New Zealand business that has been trading for 5+ years. You can apply for residence after 3 years of active operation.

  • Fast-Track (NZD $𝟐 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 investment): Invest a minimum of NZD $2 million

into the business. You can apply for residence after just 12 months. [Immigration New Zealand]

  • Business Obligations for Residence:

  • The target business must have at least 5 existing employees.

  • You must actively operate and manage the business and create at least 1 new full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident.

  • You must spend a minimum of 184 days per year in New Zealand during the qualifying period.

  • Bringing Your Partner:

  • Your partner can be included in your initial visa application.

  • Partners of work visa holders generally qualify for an open work visa, allowing them to work for any employer or start their own independent work in New Zealand without needing a job check. [Immigration New Zealand]

2. Alternative: Active Investor Plus Visa

If your small-business background is tied to significant capital and you prefer a broader investment approach rather than rolling up your sleeves to run a standard local small-to-medium enterprise, consider this option:

  • Requirements: Minimum investment of NZD $5 million

(Growth category) to NZD $10 million

(Balanced category) in acceptable managed funds, philanthropy, or direct investments. [Immigration New Zealand]

  • Limits: There is no age limit , no business experience requirement, and no English language requirement. Partner and dependent children are included.

Getting Started Checklist

  1. Review official guidelines on the Immigration New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa page.
  2. Audit your past business financial records, revenue reports, or employee counts to ensure your 3+ years of experience meets their definitions.
  3. Prepare proof of available capital (

NZD $1

M

− $2

M

for investment plus

NZD $500

K

for settlement funds).

If you'd like, let me know:

  • Your targeted investment budget (

NZD $1

M

vs higher)

  • The industry or type of business you plan to buy or run
  • Your partner's employment plans (working in the business vs. independent employment)

I can provide more tailored guidance on the next steps or documentation needed.

Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand country setting

New Zealand visa options for an experienced small-business owner moving with a partner to buy or run a business

AI Overview

For an experienced small-business owner moving with a partner to buy or run a business, New Zealand’s primary immigration pathway is the Business Investor Work Visa (BIV).

Please note that the historical Entrepreneur Work Visa has been closed to new applications. It was replaced by a revamped structure designed specifically for active business owners looking to acquire and personally operate established New Zealand companies.

1. The Business Investor Work Visa (BIV)

This is a hands-on, non-passive visa that is granted for up to 4 years and includes a clear pathway to permanent residence. It is structured into two investment tiers:

  • Standard Pathway: Requires a minimum investment of NZD $1 million into an established business. You must operate it actively for 3 years before becoming eligible to apply for a resident visa.
  • Fast-Track Pathway: Requires a minimum investment of NZD $2 million. This accelerates the timeline, allowing you to apply for residence after 12 months of actively running the business.

Key Applicant Requirements

  • Experience: You must demonstrate at least 3 years of proven business ownership or senior management experience.
  • Age: You must be 55 years old or younger at the time of your application.
  • Settlement Funds: Beyond your business investment, you must show at least NZD $500,000 in separate reserve funds to support yourself and your partner.
  • English Language: You must meet the English proficiency requirement, typically an IELTS score of 5.0 or equivalent.
  • Health & Character: Standard medical exams, chest X-rays, and clean police certificates are mandatory.

Business Eligibility Criteria

The business you target to buy cannot be a brand-new startup or a passive venture. It must meet strict rules set by Immigration New Zealand:

  • Trading History: The business must have been actively and lawfully trading in New Zealand for at least 5 years.
  • Ownership: You must buy the business outright or acquire at least a 25% ownership stake.
  • Staffing: The existing business must already employ at least 5 full-time staff members , and your takeover must plan to create at least 1 additional new full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident.
  • Excluded Sectors: You cannot use this visa to buy convenience stores ("dairies"), discount shops, fast-food franchises, home-based businesses, or industries like gambling, adult entertainment, or tobacco.

2. Moving with Your Partner

The Business Investor Work Visa allows you to include your partner directly in your application.

  • Relationship Proof: You will need to provide extensive documentation showing that you and your partner are at least 18 years old, and have been living together in a genuine, stable relationship.
  • Partner Privileges: Once approved, your partner can accompany you to New Zealand, giving them the right to stay for the same duration as your work visa.

3. Alternative: Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa

If you prefer to invest capital into New Zealand businesses but want the flexibility to work on multiple projects rather than being legally tied to personally managing one specific, 5-year-old brick-and-mortar storefront, you may consider the Active Investor Plus Visa.

This pathway requires significantly higher capital but has no age limits, no business experience requirements, and no English language mandates. It utilizes a weighted system across two main thresholds:

  • Growth Category (From NZD $5 million): Direct investments into approved New Zealand companies or managed funds. It requires spending a minimum of 21 days in New Zealand over a 3-year period.
  • Balanced Category (From NZD $10 million): A mix of lower-risk options such as equities, listed bonds, and philanthropic donations. This requires spending a minimum of 105 days in New Zealand over a 5-year period.

To help tailor this advice, could you share a bit more about the type of industry you are targeting, your rough investment budget , or if you intend to explore the country first on a Business Visitor Visa before purchasing?

Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026