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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

best places in New Zealand for a 17-year-old funded by parents overseas to finish high school and then go to university

Best places in New Zealand for a 17-year-old to finish high school and go to university

For a 17-year-old whose parents live overseas and will fund their education and living expenses, I would prioritise a city with a strong university, a good international-student support system, safe accommodation, and a high school that can help with the transition to university.

New Zealand is a good option for this pathway, but choosing the right school matters just as much as choosing the city. At 17, the student may be able to enter Year 12 or Year 13, depending on previous schooling, subjects studied, English proficiency and the qualifications needed for university admission.

My top five places to consider

1. Auckland

Best overall choice

Auckland has the widest range of schools, a large international community, and access to major universities, including the University of Auckland and AUT. It offers the most choice if the student is undecided about a degree.

Best for: academic flexibility, international connections, and a broad choice of university courses.

Trade-off: housing and everyday living can be expensive, and the city is more spread out than other options.

2. Christchurch

Best balance

Christchurch offers a strong university pathway through the University of Canterbury and other tertiary institutions. It has a more manageable urban scale than Auckland, with green spaces and a range of secondary schools.

Best for: engineering, science, computer science, and a balanced student lifestyle.

Trade-off: winters are colder, and the range of international communities and specialist opportunities is smaller than in Auckland.

3. Wellington

Wellington is a compact capital with Victoria University of Wellington, a lively cultural scene, and opportunities to explore politics, public policy, creative industries and technology.

Best for: humanities, law-related interests, design, media, and public policy.

Trade-off: windy weather, hilly terrain, and a smaller selection of universities than Auckland.

4. Dunedin

Dunedin is known for its university culture and student-oriented atmosphere, centred on the University of Otago. It can be an attractive choice for someone who wants to focus on study in a smaller city.

Best for: a university-focused lifestyle, health sciences, biomedical interests and traditional campus life.

Trade-off: colder winters, fewer alternative universities nearby, and the need to plan carefully for accommodation before starting tertiary study.

5. Hamilton

Hamilton offers the University of Waikato, secondary-school options, and a generally less metropolitan setting than Auckland. It is worth considering if the family wants a university city without the scale of the largest centre.

Best for: business, computing, science, and a quieter environment.

Trade-off: fewer big-city amenities and less variety in university options than Auckland.

Which university pathways fit each city?

City University options to investigate Particularly suitable for
Auckland University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology Broad degree choice, business, engineering, health, technology
Christchurch University of Canterbury and Lincoln University Engineering, sciences, agriculture, environment
Wellington Victoria University of Wellington Law, humanities, politics, design, creative subjects
Dunedin University of Otago Health sciences, biomedical sciences, humanities
Hamilton University of Waikato Business, computing, sciences, education

These are starting points rather than guaranteed admission pathways. Each university has its own academic, English-language and programme-specific requirements. See the University of Auckland's international entry requirements, University of Otago's international entry requirements and University of Waikato's entry requirements. Entry requirementsUniversity entrance requirements for international studentsEntry requirements for international students

What type of high school should the student choose?

At age 17, I would compare these three options before deciding where to live.

  1. A secondary school offering NCEA

NCEA is New Zealand's national secondary-school qualification. It can be a good choice for a student planning to attend a New Zealand university, provided the school can place them at the appropriate level and offer the subjects they need.

  1. A school offering Cambridge International

This can suit students who have already studied Cambridge or another compatible international curriculum. It may make the transition easier and can provide a recognised university entrance pathway.

  1. A school offering the International Baccalaureate (IB)

Worth considering for a student who wants a broad academic programme and may apply to universities in multiple countries.

Important: do not assume that a 17-year-old can simply enrol in the final year of high school and enter university the following year. The school needs to assess previous transcripts, the subjects already completed and the time needed to meet university entrance requirements. New Zealand's University Entrance requirements explain the NCEA route. University EntranceUndergraduate entry requirements

Accommodation, parental funding and student visas

Because the parents will be overseas, I would give accommodation and student support a high priority.

My recommendation

I would start with Auckland and Christchurch as the two main options. Auckland is strongest for breadth of choice; Christchurch is worth serious consideration if a more manageable city and a strong university pathway appeal. Wellington, Dunedin and Hamilton could be better choices once the intended degree and preferred lifestyle are known.

Let me narrow it down to the best schools and cities

A few details would make a big difference, especially because the student is already 17.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand country setting

best places in New Zealand for a 17-year-old funded by parents overseas to finish high school and then go to university

For a 17-year-old student finishing high school and transitioning to university with full financial support from overseas parents, New Zealand offers a safe, globally respected education system. Because a 17-year-old is typically in their final year (Year 13) of high school, choosing the right environment involves balancing high school pastoral care, a smooth pathway to a top-tier tertiary institution, and lifestyle factors.

Across New Zealand, several types of environments suit this trajectory well:

1. Major Metropolitan Centres (e.g., Auckland or Christchurch)

  • The High School Experience: Large metropolitan areas host prominent state, integrated, and private secondary schools with robust international departments. At age 17, students can choose between standard school environments or dedicated foundation/tertiary high school pathway providers. Major cities offer diverse multicultural communities, extensive extracurriculars, and independence-building environments.
  • The University Transition: These cities house major comprehensive research universities (such as the University of Auckland or the University of Canterbury). Staying in the same city for high school and university minimizes the stress of relocation, allows the student to build a local network early, and familiarizes them with the campus environment ahead of time.
  • Best Suited For: Students looking for a fast-paced environment, maximum options for specialized academic or tech courses, and a vibrant city lifestyle.

2. Traditional University & Student Cities (e.g., Dunedin or Palmerston North)

  • The High School Experience: Cities heavily anchored by a major university have a deeply ingrained academic culture. High schools here often collaborate closely with nearby tertiary institutions, offering advanced transition programs, lectures, or extension credits for high-achieving senior students.
  • The University Transition: Dunedin (home to the University of Otago) and Palmerston North (a key hub for Massey University) are classic "student towns." Moving from a local high school to the local university is seamless, highly walkable, and cost-effective compared to larger global metropolises. The communities are entirely geared toward student life, offering structured pastoral care and dedicated residential colleges (dormitories) for first-year university students.
  • Best Suited For: Students who want a focused, immersive academic community without the distractions of a massive commercial city.

3. Premium Regional Boarding School Hubs (e.g., Hawke’s Bay or Waikato/Cambridge)

  • The High School Experience: If a 17-year-old is entering Year 13 for their final stretch of high school, New Zealand’s premier independent and state boarding schools—many located in regions like Hawke’s Bay, Waikato, or provincial towns—offer exceptional structured boarding care. Funded by overseas parents, these schools provide all-inclusive environments (accommodation, meals, academic tutoring, and sports) supervised 24/7, which provides immense peace of mind for parents living abroad.
  • The University Transition: While boarding schools are outside major main university hubs, their dedicated guidance counselors specialize in transitioning students straight into New Zealand universities (or top options overseas).
  • Best Suited For: Students who benefit from a structured, tightly knit, and supportive residential boarding environment before taking the step into independent university living.

Key Factors for Overseas Parents to Consider:

  • The Pathway Visa: New Zealand immigration allows for a Pathway Student Visa, which lets international students combine up to three consecutive courses of study (e.g., a high school foundation/Year 13 program followed by an undergraduate degree) under a single visa framework.
  • Living Arrangements for 17-Year-Olds: New Zealand law and school codes are strict regarding minors. A 17-year-old international student not living with a parent must either stay in school-approved boarding accommodations, an authorized homestay, or a designated caregiver approved by the school. Once they turn 18 and enter university, they gain full legal adulthood in NZ, making the transition to university flats or university-managed halls of residence straightforward.
Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand country setting

best places in New Zealand for a 17-year-old funded by parents overseas to finish high school and then go to university

For a 17-year-old finishing high school (Year 13 / final year) and transitioning smoothly into a major university, the best locations in New Zealand are major metropolitan centers that host both strong secondary schooling options with dedicated international student support and world-class, comprehensive universities.

Because funding is secure from overseas, looking at major urban hubs ensures access to high-quality pastoral care, diverse accommodation options (like managed homestays or foundation residences), and seamless transition pathways.

Top regions in New Zealand that fit this criteria include:

Auckland : New Zealand's largest city, ideal for a fast-paced urban lifestyle. It features top-tier high schools with robust international departments and is home to the University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology (AUT), making the jump from school to university entirely local if desired.

Dunedin : A classic, compact and vibrant student city in the South Island. It centers heavily around education, anchored by historic secondary schools and the prestigious University of Otago. It offers an immersive, community-focused student lifestyle with a lower cost of living and less distraction than a major metropolis.

Christchurch : Offers a blend of modern infrastructure and traditional schooling. It hosts strong secondary colleges and the University of Canterbury, providing great academic pathways, active student communities, and proximity to outdoor recreation.

Wellington : New Zealand’s arts and capital city, great for a politically and culturally vibrant environment. It features excellent high schools and Victoria University of Wellington, renowned for humanities, law, creative arts, and science.

Hamilton : A thriving and growing city in the central North Island that centers around the campus-focused University of Waikato, offering a slightly more relaxed, affordable, yet deeply connected collegiate atmosphere alongside strong local schools.

To help narrow down the best specific fit, let me know:

  • What field of study or career path is the 17-year-old leaning toward for university?
  • Do you prefer a large metropolitan city (like Auckland) or a compact, dedicated student city (like Dunedin)?
Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand country setting

best places in New Zealand for a 17-year-old funded by parents overseas to finish high school and then go to university

AI Overview

For an international student looking to complete their final year of high school (Year 13) and smoothly transition into tertiary education, Auckland , Wellington, and Dunedin stand out as the top choices.

New Zealand has strict safety regulations under the Pastoral Care of International Students Code of Practice, which legally mandates that schools closely monitor the living arrangements and well-being of international students aged 17 and under. Because the student is fully parent-funded, choosing a location with a major university allows them to build a local network, adapt to the city, and avoid relocating between high school and university.

Top Hubs for High School to University Pathways

1. Auckland: The Cosmopolitan & Major Business Hub

Auckland is the largest city in the country, offering a highly diverse multicultural community and the broadest spectrum of academic and future career opportunities.

  • High School Environment: Home to leading high schools like Auckland Grammar School , Epsom Girls Grammar, and Macleans College, all of which have extensive experience hosting international students and tracking them into prestigious universities.
  • University Options: Students can seamlessly transition into the world-class University of Auckland or the highly practical Auckland University of Technology (AUT).
  • Lifestyle: Energetic, bustling, coastal city life with a robust public transport network.

2. Wellington: The Cultural & Political Capital

Wellington offers a compact, safe, and highly artistic environment. It is widely considered one of the best locations for student atmosphere and public sector pathways.

  • High School Environment: Top-tier institutions like Wellington College , Wellington Girls' College , and Scots College provide fantastic support networks and are centrally located.
  • University Options: The student can pathway directly into Victoria University of Wellington , famous for its humanities, law, government, and design programs.
  • Lifestyle: Highly walkable city layout with a famous café culture, arts scene, and lower congestion than Auckland.

3. Dunedin : The Traditional & Vibrant Student Town

Dunedin is built entirely around its student population, making it an incredibly supportive, immersive community for someone moving away from family for the first time.

  • High School Environment: Excellent heritage high schools like Otago Boys' High School , Otago Girls' High School , and Columba College offer premium boarding and homestay facilities.
  • University Options: Direct entry into the University of Otago, New Zealand’s oldest university, world-renowned for its health sciences, medicine, and strong campus life.
  • Lifestyle: A historic, lower-cost city where the vast majority of residents are students, creating an exceptional, tight-knit student network.

Important Location Evaluation Breakdown

Feature Auckland Wellington Dunedin
Primary Vibe Large, fast-paced, commercial Creative, political, compact Historic, tight-knit, student-centric
Cost of Living Highest Moderate-High More Affordable
Major Strengths Business, Engineering, Tech Arts, Law, Political Science Health Sciences, Medicine, Sciences

Crucial Practical Factors to Consider

  • Accommodation Requirements: Per Immigration New Zealand guidelines, because the student is 17, the High School must vet and formally approve their living situation (whether it is an approved school boarding hostel or a registered local homestay family).
  • University Entrance (UE): Finishing Year 13 in New Zealand is an excellent strategy. The student will aim to clear the NCEA Level 3 University Entrance Standard (or Cambridge/IB equivalent), which grants direct admission to domestic universities without needing separate external language tests like IELTS later on.
  • Visa Application: The parents will need to apply for a Fee Paying Student Visa , showing clear proof of funds to cover the annual tuition fees (averaging NZD $22,000–$30,000 for undergraduate studies) alongside living costs.

If you'd like to narrow down the choices, tell me:

  • What specific subjects or career paths (e.g., medicine, business, engineering, arts) is the student interested in?
  • Do they prefer a large, energetic metropolis or a quieter, traditional campus town?

I can then recommend specific high-school-to-university package pathways tailored to those goals.

Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026