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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 17 and want to finish high school in New Zealand before going to university there. My parents will stay overseas and fund me. Which places would be good for both stages?

If you’re 17 and want to finish high school in New Zealand before going to university there, I’d focus on places where you can complete NCEA or another recognised school qualification, live safely and independently while your parents are overseas, and continue into a university with the degree you want.

Because your parents will fund you from overseas, I’d compare not just tuition fees but also accommodation, international-student support, living costs and how easy it will be to transition from school to university.

My initial shortlist would be Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. Each offers a different balance of school choice, lifestyle, cost and university opportunities.

The best places to consider

1. Auckland

Best all-round choice

Auckland has a large selection of secondary schools, a diverse international community and a major university in the same city. The University of Auckland offers a wide range of degrees and international-student support. International studentsStudy at University of Auckland

  • Best for: business, engineering, computer science, health sciences and a broad choice of future careers.
  • Advantages: many school options, established homestay services, international flights and a large city lifestyle.
  • Trade-off: accommodation and day-to-day costs can be high.
  • Look at: University of Auckland and secondary schools with established international departments.

2. Wellington

Best for a compact capital-city experience

Wellington is a good option if you want a smaller urban environment with access to government, creative industries and technology. Victoria University of Wellington is a natural university to investigate.

  • Best for: politics, international relations, law, humanities, design and creative fields.
  • Advantages: a walkable central area, cultural activities and a university-oriented atmosphere.
  • Trade-off: windy weather and a smaller range of city amenities than Auckland.
  • Look at: Victoria University of Wellington and local secondary schools that accept international students.

3. Christchurch

Best balance of space and city life

Christchurch has a substantial school network and is home to the University of Canterbury. It is worth comparing if you want a city that feels less crowded than Auckland while still offering a range of academic options.

  • Best for: engineering, sciences, computer science and a broad range of undergraduate subjects.
  • Advantages: parks, outdoor recreation and a more relaxed urban pace.
  • Trade-off: you may have fewer options for some specialist programmes or international connections than in Auckland.
  • Look at: University of Canterbury and schools with suitable NCEA or Cambridge pathways.

4. Dunedin

Best for a university-centred environment

Dunedin is home to the University of Otago and has a strong student identity. It may appeal if you prefer a smaller city where university life is a prominent part of the community.

  • Best for: health sciences, biomedical sciences, humanities and other university subjects.
  • Advantages: a strong student culture and a less metropolitan setting.
  • Trade-off: colder winters, a smaller city and potentially fewer school choices than Auckland.
  • Look at: University of Otago and nearby secondary schools that support international students.

These are starting points rather than a definitive ranking. The best city ultimately depends on your intended degree, your school qualifications and the kind of accommodation available to you.

What will it cost?

For planning purposes, these are useful starting estimates for international students, not guaranteed quotes.

Expense Indicative cost in NZD
State secondary-school tuition From about $14,000/year
Private secondary-school tuition From about $25,000/year
University bachelor's tuition About $35,000–$55,000/year
Homestay accommodation Often around $350–$450/week

Sources: New Zealand's official study information and published school and homestay fee schedules. Actual fees vary by provider and course. Tuition fees and cost of livingFees and Refund PolicyFees - new InternationalStudent Homestay Pricing

For example, a homestay costing $400 a week is about $20,800 over 52 weeks, before other expenses. You should budget separately for transport, personal spending, school uniforms and equipment, insurance, flights, and university accommodation after you finish school.

Important because you’re 17

Your age and the fact that your parents will remain overseas make accommodation and student support especially important.

My recommendation is to start by comparing Auckland and Christchurch, then consider Wellington or Dunedin if either better matches your intended degree and preferred lifestyle.

Let’s narrow it down to the best fit for you

I can make a much more useful shortlist of actual secondary schools and their nearby universities if I know two things.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand country setting

I'm 17 and want to finish high school in New Zealand before going to university there. My parents will stay overseas and fund me. Which places would be good for both stages?

Planning to finish high school and transition directly into university in New Zealand as an international student—while your parents fund you from overseas—is an exciting step. Because you are 17, New Zealand’s legal and educational frameworks require strict adherence to pastoral care regulations (governed by the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice).

When choosing a location, you need a city that seamlessly bridges the final year of high school with a major university, while offering robust support systems for minors living independently from their parents.

Key Requirements to Keep in Mind

  • Under-18 Accommodation Rules: Until you turn 18, New Zealand law and university policies dictate that you cannot live independently in a flat or apartment. You must live in an approved homestay, a designated caregiver arrangement, or university-approved accommodation (such as a catered hall of residence that accepts minors).
  • The "One-City Strategy": Staying in the same city for both high school and university minimizes disruption. It allows you to build a local support network, keep your accommodation stable, and transition smoothly into tertiary education without relocating.

Top Regional Locations in New Zealand

1. Auckland (The Major Metropolitan Hub)

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and offers the widest concentration of educational institutions.

  • High School Stage: Home to numerous large state, integrated, and private secondary schools with robust international departments experienced in caring for under-18 students.
  • University Stage: Home to the University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology (AUT), both globally ranked institutions offering a massive range of undergraduate degrees.
  • Why it fits: You can complete your final year of high school at a local school and transition directly into a university hall of residence in the central city. Because of its size, student support services, healthcare, and international communities are exceptionally well-established.

2. Wellington (The Compact Capital & Creative Hub)

Wellington is famously compact, culturally vibrant, and easy to navigate without a car.

  • High School Stage: Features high-performing secondary schools (such as Wellington College, Wellington High School, and Queen Margaret College) located close to the city center.
  • University Stage: Home to Victoria University of Wellington, which has well-defined pathways and dedicated support systems for international students starting under the age of 18.
  • Why it fits: Wellington's compact "walking city" layout makes moving from a high school environment to university campus life very straightforward. University halls and amenities are tightly clustered around the central city and Kelburn campus.

3. Christchurch (The Garden City & Innovation Centre)

Christchurch offers a balanced lifestyle with a mix of heritage and modern infrastructure, alongside lower living costs compared to Auckland.

  • High School Stage: Excellent secondary schools (such as Christchurch Boys'/'Girls' High Schools, Burnside High School) with dedicated international student structures.
  • University Stage: Home to the University of Canterbury and Lincoln University (nearby), both offering world-class campuses with extensive student care teams for minors.
  • Why it fits: Christchurch features expansive, traditional university campus environments with strong community feels, making the transition from high school very structured and supportive.

Comparison of Options

Region Primary Universities High School Environment Under-18 Transition Support
Auckland University of Auckland, AUT Large, diverse, highly resourced Extensive city infrastructure and experienced international teams.
Wellington Victoria University of Wellington Compact, academic, central Tight-knit community; university advisors closely coordinate with overseas parents.
Christchurch University of Canterbury, Lincoln University Traditional, spacious campuses Highly structured pastoral care and dedicated student care advisors.

Recommended Next Steps

  1. Target the University First: Look at which New Zealand universities offer the specific degree or career path you want to study. Choosing the university first will anchor your choice of city.
  2. Contact High School International Offices: Once you narrow down a city, reach out to secondary schools in that area to see how they handle final-year enrolments for 17-year-olds arriving without parents, particularly regarding homestay placement.

Would you like to explore specific degree programs or universities to help narrow down which city suits your academic goals best?

Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand country setting

I'm 17 and want to finish high school in New Zealand before going to university there. My parents will stay overseas and fund me. Which places would be good for both stages?

Planning to transition straight from high school to university in New Zealand while your parents are overseas is an exciting move. Because you'll be 17 (meaning you'll need a designated caregiver or approved school-managed accommodation like a homestay while under 18), staying in the same city or region for both high school (Years 12–13) and university makes your transition, visa process, and living arrangements much smoother.

The top urban centres in New Zealand that excel at offering robust international high school pathways and world-class universities include:

** Auckland**

  • High School Stage: Home to a massive selection of high schools with large, dedicated international departments (e.g., Western Springs College , Rangitoto College , Takapuna Grammar) offering strong NCEA or International Baccalaureate (IB) support.
  • University Stage: Home to the University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology (AUT), ranked highly globally.
  • Vibe: Highly multicultural, fast-paced, and full of big-city amenities, though it carries a higher cost of living.

Christchurch

  • High School Stage: Features top-tier secondary schools with great international student care (such as Christchurch Girls' / Boys' High Schools and Burnside High).
  • University Stage: Anchored by the University of Canterbury , known for a vibrant campus culture and innovation.
  • Vibe: Often ranked as one of the most affordable major NZ student cities, offering a mix of modern urban rebuild, green spaces (like Hagley Park), and easy access to outdoor recreation.

Wellington

  • High School Stage: The capital city features excellent secondary schools (like Wellington High School and Wellington College) with creative and academic focuses.
  • University Stage: Home to Victoria University of Wellington , renowned for research, arts, and law.
  • Vibe: Compact, highly walkable, artsy, and culturally vibrant, though known for being windy and having a slightly more compact housing market.

Dunedin

  • High School Stage: Traditional and supportive schools (such as King's High School and Otago Girls' High School).
  • University Stage: A legendary, true "university town" centered around the University of Otago (New Zealand's oldest university).
  • Vibe: Extremely student-centric, youthful, highly walkable, and much more budget-friendly for living costs compared to Auckland.

To help narrow down the ideal location, let me know:

  • What subject or career path you are leaning toward for university?
  • What budget range your parents have in mind for living and tuition costs?
Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand country setting

I'm 17 and want to finish high school in New Zealand before going to university there. My parents will stay overseas and fund me. Which places would be good for both stages?

AI Overview

In New Zealand, several major cities offer excellent synergy between secondary schools and top-tier universities. Because all eight of New Zealand's universities rank within the top 2% globally, your decision should focus on lifestyle, cost, and the types of high school qualifications that best prepare you for university entry.

The primary pathways for a seamless transition from a New Zealand high school to a local university include the following regions:

Top Cities for Both High School & University

Region/City High School Highlights Partner/Local Universities Best Known For
** Auckland** Home to top-ranked schools like Auckland Grammar School and Macleans College. Widest selection of CIE (Cambridge) and IB paths. The University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology (AUT). Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Tech. Deepest employer market.
Christchurch Outstanding, expansive campus high schools like Burnside High and Christchurch Boys/Girls High. University of Canterbury and Lincoln University. Engineering, Environmental Science, Agriculture. Great balance of affordability and outdoors.
Wellington Reputable inner-city and suburban colleges (e.g., Wellington College). Strong focus on arts and academics. Victoria University of Wellington. Law, Public Policy, Creative Media, Architecture. Compact, walkable city.
Dunedin Historic, tight-knit secondary schools deeply linked with the local university. University of Otago. Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Law. Authentic, immersive "student town" lifestyle.

Critical Requirements for a 17-Year-Old

  1. Accommodation & Pastoral Care Code: Because you are 17, schools under New Zealand's Pastoral Care Code 2021 must officially approve your accommodation before a visa is approved. Since your parents are staying overseas, you will live in school boarding facilities or with a school-vetted homestay family , which provides a great local support network.

  2. University Entrance (UE) Requirements: To transition into university without doing a separate foundation course, you should aim to complete Year 13 and gain University Entrance via NCEA, Cambridge, or IB. Getting your schooling in New Zealand also helps satisfy future university English language proficiency requirements without needing an IELTS test later.

  3. The Pathway Student Visa: Look into getting a Pathway Student Visa. This allows you to study up to three consecutive courses (e.g., your high school years leading straight into your bachelor's degree) on a single visa lasting up to 5 years, simplifying the admin for your parents.

If you want to narrow down your choices, let me know:

  • What specific subjects or careers are you interested in studying at university?
  • Do you prefer a bustling, large city (like Auckland) or a laid-back student community (like Dunedin)?
  • When are you planning to start your high school classes?
Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026