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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

support for a 17-year-old living away from parents while finishing high school and then starting university in New Zealand

In New Zealand, a 17-year-old living away from their parents while finishing high school and preparing to start university may be eligible for financial assistance, accommodation support, help from their school, and support with their legal and personal independence.

The key is that support depends on their living arrangements, whether their parents can support them financially, their income, and whether they are still at school or have started tertiary study. Turning 18 can also change eligibility for some payments.

1. Financial support available

  1. Youth Payment — if they cannot live at home

A 16- or 17-year-old who cannot live with their parents and has no adequate parental or other financial support may qualify for Youth Payment. They must meet the eligibility criteria, including participating in education, training or qualifying work-based learning. A Youth Service coach also helps with budgeting, accommodation and staying in education. Youth PaymentFamily breakdown

  1. Student Allowance — when starting university

For eligible full-time tertiary students, Student Allowance helps with weekly living costs and does not have to be repaid. For students under 24 without children, parental income usually affects eligibility even if they live away from home and their parents do not provide money.

If there has been a genuine family breakdown or they have no relationship with their parents, they may qualify for an exception or Independent Circumstances Allowance. Being financially unsupported alone does not automatically qualify them. Why we use parents' income to calculate Student AllowanceNo relationship with parentsStudent Allowance

  1. Help with accommodation and essential costs

Work and Income can assess whether assistance is available for eligible costs such as rent or board, a rental bond, or urgent essential expenses. Eligibility varies, particularly for someone aged 17, so ask for an assessment rather than assuming a particular payment is available. A-Z benefits and paymentsFamily breakdown

  1. Help from their school

The school's guidance counsellor, dean or senior leadership team may be able to arrange:

  • Help with food, transport, stationery, uniforms and exam costs.
  • Referrals to social workers or youth support services.
  • Pastoral care and a plan to complete NCEA while living independently.

It is worth asking the school what assistance it can offer before the student reaches the end of Year 13.

  1. University hardship and accommodation support

When they enrol, the university's student support team may offer hardship grants, emergency food assistance, budgeting help, counselling, and advice on accommodation. Availability and eligibility differ between universities.

Ask the university about scholarships for students experiencing financial hardship, accommodation bursaries and emergency support before accepting an accommodation offer.

2. What happens at age 18?

Turning 18 does not automatically solve the financial gap. A student may still be affected by parental-income rules for Student Allowance, depending on their circumstances.

For a student who has a genuine breakdown in their relationship with their parents, it is worth discussing the situation with StudyLink before university starts. If they are still 17 and need financial support now, they should contact Youth Service rather than wait until they turn 18. Family breakdownNo relationship with parents

3. A practical plan for the young person

  1. While still at high school: speak confidentially to the school counsellor or dean and ask about financial and pastoral support.
  2. If they are 17 and unsupported: contact Youth Service to check Youth Payment eligibility and get help arranging stable accommodation.
  3. Before university begins: apply through StudyLink as early as possible and ask specifically about parental-income rules and independent circumstances.
  4. Before signing a tenancy or accommodation contract: check rent, bond, food, power, transport and other costs against confirmed income.
  5. If there is family breakdown, neglect or an unsafe home situation: explain this directly to the relevant support service. The reason for living away can affect which assistance is available.

4. The best next step depends on their circumstances

I can narrow this down to the support that is most likely to apply. The most important question is:

Why is the 17-year-old living away from their parents?

You don't need to share the young person's name or any identifying details. These answers are enough to work out which options are worth pursuing first.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand country setting

support for a 17-year-old living away from parents while finishing high school and then starting university in New Zealand

Navigating high school and transitioning to university while living away from parents at 17 involves specific government support systems, educational advocacy, and community resources in New Zealand.

1. Financial Support While Finishing High School (Age 17)

Because you are 17, living away from your parents, and experiencing a parental support gap (meaning your parents cannot or will not financially support you), you may qualify for government assistance through Work and Income (MSD):

  • Youth Payment: This is a financial payment for 16- and 17-year-olds who cannot live at home and have no parental financial support. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in or available for full-time education or training (such as finishing NCEA).
  • How Youth Payment Works: Typically, a portion of the payment goes directly toward your fixed costs (like rent and essential bills), a small personal allowance is paid to your bank account, and the rest is loaded onto a payment card for groceries and basic essentials. You will also be paired with a Youth Service provider and a youth coach who helps you navigate budgeting, housing, and your education plan.
  • Accommodation Support: Depending on your tenancy arrangements, you may also be assessed for other forms of help like an Accommodation Supplement to assist with rent.

2. Transitioning to University (Student Allowance & ICA)

When you move from high school into tertiary study, your financial support transitions from Work and Income over to StudyLink (the student loan and allowance arm of MSD).

Normally, a student under 24 has their parents’ income tested when applying for a Student Allowance. However, if you are estranged or completely independent due to exceptional circumstances, you can apply for the Independent Circumstances Allowance (ICA):

  • What ICA Does: It treats you as independent from your parents for your Student Allowance, meaning parental income is ignored, allowing you to access the maximum Student Allowance rate to help cover living costs while studying full-time.
  • Criteria: You must prove a family breakdown has occurred, that you are living completely independently, and that it is unreasonable for you to live with or receive financial support from your parents.
  • Documentation Needed: StudyLink requires a detailed application form alongside a supporting statement from a professional person of standing in the community who knows your situation (such as your high school principal, a school counselor, a doctor, or a social worker).
  • Fees-Free and Student Loans: You can also apply through StudyLink for a Student Loan to cover your compulsory university tuition fees and course-related costs (such as textbooks or a laptop).

3. Practical, Housing, and Wellbeing Support

  • School Support: Speak confidentially to your school’s guidance counselor, dean, or principal right away. They can assist you with your day-to-day schooling needs, help secure academic continuity, and act as the professional referee you will need for future benefit or allowance applications.
  • YouthLaw Aotearoa: If you run into issues regarding your rights as a young person living away from home, tenancy questions, or dealing with government agencies, YouthLaw offers free legal advice to children and young people across New Zealand.
  • Accommodation and Tenancy: If you need help finding stable accommodation while finishing school or when moving cities for university, your local Work and Income service center or youth service provider can assist with emergency housing options, transitional housing, or Bond Grants for private rentals.
  • University Support Services: Once you enroll at a New Zealand university, make direct contact with their Student Equity and Wellbeing teams. Most universities have dedicated financial advisors, pastoral care networks, and accommodation grants specifically designed to support students transitioning from care-experienced or independent backgrounds.
Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand country setting

support for a 17-year-old living away from parents while finishing high school and then starting university in New Zealand

Navigating life as a 17-year-old living independently while finishing high school and transitioning to university in New Zealand involves specific government and community support systems. Because 17-year-olds are legally minors in New Zealand, options depend on whether you have a breakdown in parental support or an approved independent arrangement.

1. While Finishing High School (Age 17)

  • Youth Payment: Administered by Work and Income (MSD), this financial assistance is for 16- and 17-year-olds who cannot live with their parents or receive parental support. To qualify, you must be studying or training full-time toward NCEA Level 2 or higher and work with a Youth Service provider who helps manage your budgeting and obligations.

  • School Pastoral Support: Reach out to your high school's guidance counselor, dean, or principal. Schools often have access to discretionary funds, pastoral care networks, food grants, or community linkages to help students maintain stability through Year 13.

  • Oranga Tamariki / Youth Advocates: If leaving home is due to safety, family breakdown, or care arrangements, statutory or community youth advocacy services can step in to assist with emergency housing or transition-to-independence support.

2. Transitioning to University

  • Student Allowance via StudyLink: Normally, a 17-year-old's Student Allowance is means-tested against parental income. However, you can be assessed as independent if you meet specific criteria, such as having completely no relationship with your parents, not living with them, and having completed Year 13 with 42 NCEA Level 3 credits (or being accepted into a course requiring equivalent entry standards).

  • Student Loan via StudyLink: Can cover compulsory course fees and course-related costs (up to $1,000 per year for books/laptops). Note that because you are under 18, a parent or guardian's signature/consent is typically required for a student loan contract unless specific independent exemptions apply. [StudyLink]

  • Tertiary Accommodation Support: University halls of residence and student equity offices have specific hardship accommodations, scholarships, and pastoral support teams for students coming from independent, foster, or estranged backgrounds.

To help narrow down the best path forward, could you share:

  • Are you currently receiving any support from Work and Income or your high school?
  • Is the living arrangement due to a complete breakdown in family relationship or another reason?
Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand country setting

support for a 17-year-old living away from parents while finishing high school and then starting university in New Zealand

AI Overview

In New Zealand, a 17-year-old living independently faces a transition in how financial and social support is managed, shifting from Work and Income (WINZ) and the Youth Service while in high school, to StudyLink upon entering university.

The primary systems of support available depend directly on the student's current stage of education:

1. High School Support (Age 17)

While completing high school and living away from parents, a 17-year-old generally does not qualify for standard student allowances. Instead, they must look into targeted youth support systems:

  • The Youth Payment: If the student cannot live with or receive financial support from their parents due to exceptional circumstances (such as a family breakdown), they can apply for the Youth Payment via Work and Income.
  • How it works: The money (up to $177.03 net weekly) is strictly managed by an allocated local Youth Service Provider. They will pay core bills and rent directly, give up to $50 as pocket money, and put the rest on an allowance card for groceries.
  • Incentives: The student can earn an extra $10/week for completing a budgeting course and another $10/week for maintaining good attendance in school.
  • Away from Home Allowance: If the student does not qualify for the Youth Payment but still must live away from home to complete high school, the caregiver looking after them may be able to apply for an Away from Home Allowance via StudyLink.

2. University Transition Support (Starting Higher Education)

Once the student completes high school (Year 13) or turns 18, their primary point of contact switches to StudyLink.

  • Student Allowance: This is a weekly payment to help with living costs that does not need to be paid back. While standard allowances are means-tested against parental income until age 24, a student under 24 who has no relationship with their parents can apply for an "Independent Circumstances" allowance through the StudyLink Student Allowance for 16-17 Year Olds portal.
  • Accommodation Benefit: If they qualify for the Student Allowance and are renting or living in university halls, an automatic top-up called the Accommodation Benefit (up to $60/week) will be added to help cover housing costs.
  • Student Loan for Living Costs: If they do not qualify for the allowance or need to top it up, they can borrow up to $333.48 weekly through the Student Loan Living Costs scheme. This money must be paid back once they begin working and earn over the repayment threshold.
  • Fees Free: Depending on government policy configurations at the time of enrollment, the student should check their eligibility via the Fees Free portal to see if their first or final year of university tuition fees are covered.

3. Healthcare & Community Support

  • Community Services Card: Independent students on a low income or youth benefit automatically qualify for a Community Services Card. This significantly lowers the cost of GP doctor visits, prescription medicines, and grants a 50% discount on public transport via the Community Connect program.
  • Pastoral Care Code: New Zealand universities are bound by a strict Pastoral Care Domestic Code. This legally requires tertiary institutions to have dedicated wellbeing, financial hardship, and mental health support structures available on campus specifically tailored for young students living away from home.

To narrow down the application steps, could you tell me:

  • Are they estranged from their parents entirely , or are they living away just for logistical reasons (like school zones)?
  • Have they already finished Year 13 , or are they still completing it?
  • Do they have a Youth Service provider or caseworker currently helping them?
Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026