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Evidence · Immigration

Immigration: questions, answers and evidence

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

questions
143
captured answers
797
missing responses
27
answers collected
15–20 October 2026

01

Every question, with its answers

Each question was written as a voter would ask it and went to all four assistants. Some were also asked from a town. Open a question to read every answer to it in full.

Showing 20 of 143 questions

Show all 143

02

The tables behind the study

Every figure on the study page comes from these tables. They are CSV files, which open in any spreadsheet.

  • Complete AI answers

    answers.csv

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

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

    797rows

    Download complete ai answers (CSV)

  • The questions we asked

    question-catalogue.csv

    One question with the migrant profile, wording and purpose.

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

    143rows

    Download the questions we asked (CSV)

  • Planned questions, platforms and countries

    execution-assignments.csv

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

    question_id, collection_panel, location_name, location_ref, surface, surface_code

    824rows

    Download planned questions, platforms and countries (CSV)

  • The 27 missing answers

    missing-cells.csv

    One expected answer that was not collected.

    question_id, collection_panel, location_name, location_ref, surface, surface_code

    27rows

    Download the 27 missing answers (CSV)

  • Locations named for each migrant profile

    location-by-persona.csv

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

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

    342rows

    Download locations named for each migrant profile (CSV)

  • Locations named across question wordings

    location-by-wording.csv

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

    persona, surface, place, answers, denominator, wording_styles

    1,368rows

    Download locations named across question wordings (CSV)

  • Locations named by collection country

    location-by-region.csv

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

    region, place, answers, denominator, surfaces

    304rows

    Download locations named by collection country (CSV)

  • Eight countries on Google AI Mode

    location-ai-mode-eight-regions.csv

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

    region, place, answers, denominator

    304rows

    Download eight countries on google ai mode (CSV)

  • Matched local and overseas answers

    matched-region-answer-pairs.csv

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

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

    261rows

    Download matched local and overseas answers (CSV)

  • Topics explicitly raised in the answers

    signals-by-output-platform.csv

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

    output, surface, signal, answers, denominator

    1,120rows

    Download topics explicitly raised in the answers (CSV)

  • Topics raised for each migrant profile

    signals-by-persona-output.csv

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

    output, persona, signal, answers, denominator

    1,876rows

    Download topics raised for each migrant profile (CSV)

  • Website addresses in captured answers

    captured-answer-links.csv

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

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

    2,003rows

    Download website addresses in captured answers (CSV)

  • Extra table: links excluding images and files

    captured-links-by-platform.csv

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

    surface, denominator, answers_with_links, answers_with_govt_links

    4rows

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

  • Captured answer lengths

    platform-answer-length.csv

    One platform across the same 143 local questions.

    surface, answers, median_words, mean_words

    4rows

    Download captured answer lengths (CSV)

  • Recorded websites by answer

    sources-by-answer.csv

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

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

    1,462rows

    Download recorded websites by answer (CSV)

  • Recorded sources and their original claims

    source-claim-ledger.csv

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

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

    3,105rows

    Download recorded sources and their original claims (CSV)

  • Answers with sources and answers with links

    source-answer-coverage.csv

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

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

    572rows

    Download answers with sources and answers with links (CSV)

  • Website publisher classifications

    source-publisher-classification.csv

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

    domain, publisher, basis, source

    332rows

    Download website publisher classifications (CSV)

  • Tone toward each place

    place-sentiment-ledger.csv

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

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

    630rows

    Download tone toward each place (CSV)

  • Facts supplied in each question

    prompt-reporting-eligibility.csv

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

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

    143rows

    Download facts supplied in each question (CSV)

  • Sources across question styles

    source-wording-incidence.csv

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

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

    2,144rows

    Download sources across question styles (CSV)

  • Questions with corrected fact descriptions

    question-catalogue-reviewed.csv

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

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

    143rows

    Download questions with corrected fact descriptions (CSV)

  • Statements checked against official sources

    statement-checks.csv

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

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

    47rows

    Download statements checked against official sources (CSV)

  • Policy questions covered by the checks

    statement-measures.csv

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

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

    27rows

    Download policy questions covered by the checks (CSV)

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

03

The reviewed evidence

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

ChatGPT · New Zealand country setting

I'm an electrician moving with my partner, but I still need New Zealand registration and a job. Which places should we look at?

If you’re moving to New Zealand with your partner and want to work as an electrician, I’d choose your destination based on three things: how straightforward your registration pathway is, how many electrical jobs are available, and whether the area offers a good lifestyle and job options for your partner.

My advice is to start the registration process before committing to a town. In New Zealand, electrical work is regulated, so having overseas experience or qualifications does not automatically mean you can work independently as a registered electrician.

1. Where I’d look first

These are the areas I’d compare rather than assuming one city is automatically best. Current SEEK listings show electrician opportunities across the main centres, while SEEK’s 2026 employment reports have highlighted construction and trade-related hiring in parts of the South Island and other regions. Job Electrician Jobs in New Zealand, Job Vacancies - Oct 2026SEEK Employment Dashboard, March 2026SEEK Employment Dashboard, May 2026

1. Canterbury — Christchurch and surrounding areas

Worth investigating first

Why consider it: A mix of residential, commercial, construction and industrial electrical work, with a sizeable regional employment market for your partner to explore too.

Best for: Couples wanting a substantial city without Auckland's scale.

Browse electrician jobs in New Zealand on SEEK

2. Auckland

Why consider it: A broad market for commercial installations, residential maintenance, large construction projects, specialist electrical services and industrial work. Current listings include both registered and unregistered roles. Job Electrician Jobs in New Zealand, Job Vacancies - Oct 2026Electrician Jobs Hiring Jobs in All Auckland, Job Vacancies - Sep 2026

Best for: Couples who need the widest possible range of industries and job options.

Trade-off: Compare rent, commuting costs and the specific job offer against wages.

3. Waikato — Hamilton and surrounding towns

Why consider it: A region to investigate for industrial maintenance, manufacturing, commercial work and infrastructure projects. SEEK's 2026 reports have also identified periods of employment growth in Waikato. SEEK Employment Dashboard, March 2026Electrician Hiring Jobs in New Zealand, Job Vacancies - Oct 2026

Best for: Couples who prefer a smaller urban centre and want to compare city and regional employment opportunities.

4. Bay of Plenty — Tauranga and surrounding areas

Why consider it: Worth checking for residential and commercial electrical work, industrial roles and port-related opportunities. Current job listings include registered electrician and industrial electrician vacancies in the region. Electrician Hiring Jobs in New Zealand, Job Vacancies - Oct 2026

Best for: Couples who value coastal living, provided the employment and housing figures stack up.

5. Otago and Southland

Why consider them: Include these regions if you're open to industrial, infrastructure, maintenance, energy or project-based work. South Island employment indicators showed strong annual growth in several trade-related markets earlier in 2026, although conditions vary by region and occupation. SEEK Employment Dashboard, March 2026SEEK Employment Dashboard, May 2026

Best for: Couples open to smaller cities or regional living who find a suitable role before moving.

These are a shortlist to investigate, not a guarantee that any particular region currently has a shortage of electricians. I'd compare actual vacancies and employer willingness to support your registration pathway before choosing.

2. Sort out your New Zealand registration

If you trained overseas, your first stop should be the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB).

Step 1 — Apply for the correct registration class

Check the official EWRB overseas-trained electrician pathway. The electrician pathway generally requires four years (8,000 hours) of relevant practical training and experience, including at least one year of building wiring installation. Electrician

Step 2 — Gather your evidence

Prepare your trade qualifications, certified employment references, detailed descriptions of your electrical work, and records of your hours. The Board needs evidence of your experience, not just a job title. Electrician

Step 3 — Check the supervised-work requirements

Overseas-trained applicants may be required to obtain a Limited Certificate, work under supervision, and complete specified courses, examinations or practical assessments before obtaining a practising licence. Becoming registered for overseas-trained applicants

Budget note: The EWRB currently lists an overseas-trained registration application fee of NZ$1,650 including GST, with a stated processing timeframe of 12 weeks after receipt. Additional requirements may affect the overall time and cost. Confirm the latest details before applying. Becoming registered for overseas-trained applicants

3. Find employers willing to work with your registration status

Don't only search for “registered electrician”. Depending on your assessment and permitted work, also search for:

  • Electrician — overseas qualified
  • Electrical trade assistant
  • Electrical installer
  • Industrial electrician
  • Electrical maintenance technician
  • Electrician — supervised work or Limited Certificate

Browse electrician vacancies on SEEK and electrical contractor vacancies. Be upfront with employers about your EWRB application status and ask whether they can support any required supervised work.

4. Choose the area around both careers

Before you commit to a move, compare three things for each shortlisted area:

  • Your work: vacancies matching your experience, likely pay, and whether an employer can support your registration.
  • Your partner's work: the number of opportunities in their own industry, rather than assuming they'll find work after you arrive.
  • Your living costs: rent, transport, and whether you need one or two vehicles.

I can narrow this down to a much more useful shortlist with two details:

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand country setting

I'm an electrician moving with my partner, but I still need New Zealand registration and a job. Which places should we look at?

Moving to New Zealand as an electrician with your partner is an exciting step. Because electricians are in strong demand nationwide, you have great flexibility, but navigating registration and choosing the right regions requires some preparation.

Part 1: Getting Your New Zealand Registration

You cannot legally perform prescribed electrical work in New Zealand without proper authorization from the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB).

  • The Overseas Pathway: The EWRB evaluates your overseas qualifications, training, and work hours (typically requiring documentation of a completed apprenticeship and around 4 years / 8,000 hours of practical experience).
  • The Assessment Process: You must apply directly to the EWRB with your certificates, course details, and detailed work history references. The EWRB will review your file and issue an outcome letter detailing what specific exams, safety courses (such as the EAS/EST or Regulations/Theory bridging courses), or practical assessments you need to complete.
  • Provisional Work: Many overseas electricians initially arrive and work under supervision or in restricted/assistant capacities (or complete required bridging courses through New Zealand polytechnics or private training providers) before securing full registration and a full practicing licence.

Part 2: Which Places (Regions) Should You Look At?

Electrical work and high-paying contracting opportunities span the entire country, but certain regions stand out depending on what you and your partner are looking for in terms of lifestyle, living costs, and job markets:

  1. Major Metropolitan Centers (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch)

    • Why look here: These are the largest hubs for commercial, industrial, and large-scale residential construction. Auckland and Wellington frequently feature competitive hourly rates and a high volume of electrical contractors willing to sponsor migrants or hire accredited workers. Christchurch offers continuous infrastructure, commercial rebuild, and expansive residential growth.
    • Lifestyle fit: Best if you prefer big-city amenities, diverse food and arts scenes, and maximum job mobility for both you and your partner.

  2. High-Growth Regional Hubs (Bay of Plenty / Tauranga, Waikato / Hamilton & Taupo, Manawatu / Palmerston North)

    • Why look here: These regions are experiencing rapid population growth, substantial housing developments, and significant civil/infrastructure projects. Employers here often struggle heavily with local trades shortages and actively seek skilled migrant electricians, frequently offering attractive remuneration packages and company vehicles.
    • Lifestyle fit: Great balance between regional/coastal lifestyle and steady employment, usually with shorter commutes and more affordable housing options than Auckland.

  3. High-Demand Industrial & Tourism Regions (Otago / Queenstown-Lakes, Canterbury regions)

    • Why look here: Queenstown and the wider Otago region face intense demand due to continuous commercial, hospitality, and high-end residential building. Industrial and specialist electrical roles here and across Canterbury command strong rates.
    • Lifestyle fit: Ideal if you and your partner love the outdoors, alpine environments, or a tight-knit community feel, though housing costs in prime tourism hotspots can be high.

Part 3: Employment & Visa Strategy

  • Accredited Employers & The Green List: General electricians are listed on New Zealand's Green List (Tier 2 - Work to Residence). This means that if you secure a full-time job offer from an Immigration New Zealand Accredited Employer, you can apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). After working in the role continuously for 24 months, you become eligible to apply for a Resident Visa. Your partner can accompany you on an open work visa tied to your employment, allowing them to work for any employer.
  • Job Hunting Tip: While some employers prefer candidates who already hold an EWRB practicing licence, many are open to interviewing experienced overseas electricians who have already initiated their EWRB assessment process and understand what bridging steps remain. Highlight your specific trade background (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial, or panel building) clearly on your CV.
Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand country setting

I'm an electrician moving with my partner, but I still need New Zealand registration and a job. Which places should we look at?

Moving to New Zealand as an electrician is a strong career move, as Electricians (General) are listed on Immigration New Zealand’s Green List (Tier 1 - Straight to Residence) , reflecting high national demand.

Because registration must happen through national channels before you can work unsupervised, and demand is tied to regional construction and infrastructure pipelines, here is a breakdown of how to approach your registration and the best regions to target.

Step 1: Handling Registration First

You cannot legally perform or sign off on electrical work in New Zealand without authorization from the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB).

  • The Process: Overseas-trained applicants must submit an application through the EWRB Overseas-Trained Pathway. It involves an assessment fee, document verification of your overseas ticket/hours, and typically results in a Limited Certificate.

  • Working Under Supervision: A Limited Certificate allows you to work legally under supervision while you complete any required gap training, practical hours, or local examinations needed for full registration. Budget for roughly a 12-week processing window for initial assessments. [Electrical Workers Registration Board]

Step 2: Where to Look (Top Regions)

Construction activity and infrastructure pipelines drive the highest volume of work for commercial, industrial, and residential sparkies. You and your partner should look at these key regional hubs:

** Auckland Region**

  • The Vibe & Market: New Zealand’s largest commercial and economic hub. It has the highest overall volume of electrical contracting companies, large-scale commercial builds, and residential developments.
  • Partner Opportunities: Widest and most diverse job market for your partner across corporate, retail, healthcare, and professional sectors.
  • Downside: Higher cost of living and traffic congestion.

Canterbury (Christchurch) Region

  • The Vibe & Market: A massive engine for residential, commercial, and ongoing civil/infrastructure rebuild and expansion work. Christchurch offers a robust industrial and commercial electrical sector.
  • Partner Opportunities: Strong manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture-tech, and education job markets.
  • Bonus: Generally a more affordable housing and lifestyle setup compared to Auckland.

Waikato (Hamilton / Tauranga / Bay of Plenty)

  • The Vibe & Market: Rapidly growing regional corridors with heavy investments in commercial infrastructure, residential subdivisions, and dairy/agricultural processing plants (great for industrial sparkies).
  • Partner Opportunities: Growing local economies in education, regional government, horticulture, and logistics.
  • Bonus: Great central location with a slightly easier pace of life and close proximity to both beaches and rural escapes.

Wellington Region

  • The Vibe & Market: Focuses heavily on commercial refits, public infrastructure, and government building compliance.
  • Partner Opportunities: Excellent if your partner works in government, policy, NGOs, or creative/tech sectors.

If you tell me what country your current electrical qualification is from and what industry your partner works in , I can give you a better idea of how smooth your EWRB transition will be and which region aligns best with both of your careers.

Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand country setting

I'm an electrician moving with my partner, but I still need New Zealand registration and a job. Which places should we look at?

AI Overview

For an overseas electrician moving to New Zealand, the regions with the highest job vacancies and strongest demand are Canterbury , Waikato , and Auckland. Additionally, specialized industrial work is heavily concentrated in regions like Taranaki and Southland , while tourism infrastructure drives severe trade shortages in Otago (specifically the Queenstown and Wanaka areas). Because the role of a registered general electrician is featured on the New Zealand Government's Green List , securing a job offer here opens up a streamlined path to a work-to-residence visa.

Top Regions to Consider

  • ** Canterbury :** Currently leading the country in trade listings. The region offers an excellent mix of post-earthquake rebuild developments, residential growth, and greenfield infrastructure projects.
  • ** Waikato :** Experiencing massive growth with continuous commercial expansions, school upgrades, and residential builds. It currently boasts the second-highest number of electrical vacancies.
  • ** Auckland :** The largest overall market in New Zealand. While the cost of living is high, it provides a massive volume of work spanning intensive residential builds, major infrastructure, and commercial fit-outs.
  • ** Taranaki & Southland:** Ideal choice if your background is in heavy industrial work, power generation, dairy factories, or gas plants, offering a strong balance between high industrial wages and a lower cost of living.
  • ** Otago (Queenstown Lakes District):** Tourism infrastructure and high-end residential growth mean local contractors face acute trade shortages and are highly receptive to overseas applicants.

Securing Your EWRB Registration

Before you can legally perform unsupervised electrical work, you must get your qualifications and hours assessed by the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB).

  • The Assessment: You will need to submit verified documentation of your training, past employer references, and hours worked.
  • Provisional Licence: The EWRB typically issues a time-limited provisional licence, allowing you to work under the supervision of a fully registered New Zealand electrician while you complete local regulations exams and practical assessments.

Finding an Employer & Visa Sponsorship

To successfully relocate, look for large electrical companies or technical recruiters experienced in hiring international tradespeople and assisting with the provisional visa process:

  • Large Contractors: Companies like Laser Electrical, Aotea Electric, and GoFox Electrical operate nationwide and frequently support migrant workers through the registration process.
  • Recruitment Agencies: Technical firms like Franklin Smith focus heavily on trades placement and can match your specific background (residential, commercial, or industrial) with employers ready to support visa applications.

If you'd like to narrow this down, let me know:

  • What is your core area of electrical specialization (e.g., domestic/residential, commercial fit-outs, or heavy industrial)?
  • What type of lifestyle or climate do you and your partner prefer (e.g., fast-paced metro vs. quieter regional/coastal hubs)?
  • Which country are you currently qualified in , so I can check if you qualify for any registration reciprocal agreements?
Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026