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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've worked in dairy farming for years and would move with my partner and young child if I can find steady work. What should I sort out before I decide whether to move?

If you’ve spent years working in dairy farming, you already have valuable, practical experience to build on. With a partner and a young child, though, I’d make the decision around more than just getting a job: you want reliable income, secure housing, and a good family life before you commit to moving.

The best approach is to treat the move as a plan to establish your family, rather than simply a change of farm.

What to sort out before you move

1. Secure steady dairy work

Ideally, have a written job offer before relocating. Look for a farm with a proven employment history, clear expectations, and a realistic roster.

  • Confirm your pay, guaranteed hours, start date and employment agreement.
  • Ask whether the role is permanent or seasonal.
  • Clarify early starts, weekend work, calving season and time off.
  • Check whether accommodation is included and what it costs.
  • Ask about progression into senior farm assistant, herd manager or farm manager roles.

2. Work out your housing situation

Farm accommodation can make a move much more affordable, but you need to know whether it suits a family.

  • Is the house suitable for two adults and a young child?
  • Is rent deducted from your wages, and are utilities included?
  • Is the tenancy tied to your employment?
  • What happens to your housing if you leave the job?
  • If you rent privately, are suitable homes available within your budget?

3. Plan for your partner and child

The job needs to work for your whole household, especially if you're working long or irregular hours.

  • Check childcare availability, fees and hours that fit your roster.
  • Find out about local schools or early childhood education options.
  • Consider your partner's employment prospects, transport and social support.
  • Check access to a GP, pharmacy and other essential services.
  • Agree on how you'll share childcare during early starts and busy seasons.

4. Calculate what you'll actually have left

Don't compare jobs on headline pay alone. Compare the money left after your family’s essential costs.

Include:

  • Take-home pay after tax and any student loan deductions.
  • Rent, power, internet, groceries and childcare.
  • Fuel, vehicle costs or public transport.
  • Moving costs, bond and initial household expenses.
  • Emergency savings if the job ends unexpectedly.

If possible, build a reserve that covers several weeks of essential expenses before moving.

5. Check the employer and the contract

Before accepting, speak to the farm owner or manager and, where possible, a previous employee.

Ask about staff turnover, training, safety, workload during calving and how problems are handled. Read the employment agreement carefully, including hours, pay, deductions, leave and termination terms.

Make sure the roster and accommodation arrangements are confirmed in writing rather than relying on verbal promises.

6. Check the practical details of moving within New Zealand

Before giving up your current home or job, check these points:

  • Transport: Will you need a reliable vehicle to get to work, childcare and shops?
  • Location: How far is the farm from a supermarket, medical centre and early childhood centre?
  • Timing: Can you arrange housing, childcare and your start date without leaving your family in a difficult position?
  • Backup plan: If the job falls through, can you afford to stay temporarily or move back?

Dairy work can be year-round, but hours and workloads may change with the season. Read the official guide to working on a New Zealand dairy farm before accepting an offer. Working on a New Zealand dairy farmEmployment agreements

7. Check what financial support your family might qualify for

Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for help with childcare, housing or family costs.

Treat any support as a possible extra, rather than money you rely on before confirming eligibility. Working for Families overviewWorking for Families

My recommendation: don't move until these five things are clear

Family relocation checklist

0 of 5

I have a written job offer with clear pay, hours and start date.

We have suitable family accommodation and know the full cost.

We have a realistic weekly budget based on take-home pay.

We have a workable childcare and transport plan.

We have enough savings or a backup plan if the job doesn't work out.

Let's make this specific to your situation

The biggest factor is what kind of move you're considering. Are you planning to move somewhere else within New Zealand, or are you moving to New Zealand from another country?

That will determine whether we should focus on finding a suitable dairy job and family housing, or also cover work visas and immigration requirements.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand country setting

I've worked in dairy farming for years and would move with my partner and young child if I can find steady work. What should I sort out before I decide whether to move?

Moving with a partner and a young child is a significant step, but your years of experience in dairy farming put you in a strong position, given that the sector is a cornerstone of New Zealand’s economy with steady demand for skilled hands.

Before you commit to packing up and making the shift, several practical, financial, and family-oriented details require sorting:

1. Employment Details & Career Level

  • Assess your role and market value: Clarify whether you are aiming for a Farm Assistant, Herd Manager, or lower/mid-level management role. Knowing your target tier helps you gauge expected salaries and roster types (e.g., 8-and-2 or 5-and-2 rosters are common).
  • Contracts and Compliance: Ensure any prospective employer provides a formal, compliant employment agreement under New Zealand employment law. Check details regarding overtime, public holiday work, and stock-milking productivity bonuses if applicable.

2. On-Farm Accommodation vs. Off-Farm Living

A unique aspect of New Zealand dairy farming is that housing is frequently tied to the job.

  • Inspect the family home: If on-farm housing is provided (which is standard for many dairy roles to ensure you are close to the shed for calving and milking), find out its condition. Is it insulated, double-glazed, and heated (e.g., with a heat pump)? This is vital for a young child through New Zealand winters.
  • Utilities and Costs: Clarify whether power, gas, and internet (rural broadband can vary) are included or deducted from your pay.
  • The "Partner" Factor: Consider your partner's employment prospects. Is the farm isolated, or is it within reasonable commuting distance of a nearby town where your partner could find work?

3. Family and Community Infrastructure

  • Early Childhood Education (ECE) & Schools: With a young child, proximity to services matters. Check how close the nearest Early Childhood Education provider, kindergarten, or primary school is, and whether school bus routes run past the farm gate.
  • Healthcare Access: Map out the distance to the nearest medical center, hospital, and Plunket (child health) services, as rural isolation means response times for healthcare can be longer.

4. Financial Runway

  • Relocation Costs: Moving furniture, vehicles, and family across regions (or islands) can add up quickly. Have a cash buffer set aside to cover travel, temporary accommodation if there's a gap between jobs, and initial setup costs.
  • Cost of Living Adjustments: Keep in mind that rural living often reduces certain expenses (like rent if housing is free), but can increase others, such as fuel costs for driving to town for groceries, schools, and social activities.

Would you like to explore what typical rosters and salary packages look like for the specific dairy management tier you're targeting?

Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand country setting

I've worked in dairy farming for years and would move with my partner and young child if I can find steady work. What should I sort out before I decide whether to move?

Moving to New Zealand with a family for a dairy farming role is a well-established path, but it requires careful upfront alignment between your employment contract, visa rules, and family logistics.

Before making a final decision to move, you should sort out and verify the following key areas:

1. Visa Categories and Family Status

  • Employer Accreditation: Ensure any prospective employer holds a valid accreditation with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to hire overseas workers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework.

  • Role Level & Pathways: Check where your specific level of experience maps (e.g., Farm Assistant vs. Herd Manager or senior positions). Higher-level roles like herd managers often map to DairyNZ Immigration Guidelines and specific skill pathways that can offer longer stays or residency routes.

  • Partner and Dependent Visas: Clarify how your partner and young child will travel. Your partner may be eligible for a Partner of a Worker Work Visa, which allows them to work in New Zealand, but dependent children must be appropriately linked or applied for under family guidelines.

2. On-Farm Accommodation and Utilities

  • Housing Quality: Many dairy positions include on-farm housing as part of the remuneration package. Check whether the house meets New Zealand’s Residential Tenancies Act and Healthy Homes Standards (insulation, heating, ventilation).

  • Family Suitability: Ask for photos or a video walk-through of the specific house. Confirm how many bedrooms it has, its condition, and whether it's fenced or safe for a young child.

  • Location and Isolation: Evaluate how far the farm is from the nearest town, primary schools, medical services, and grocery shopping. Rural isolation affects daily family life, transport needs, and social connection. [DairyNZ]

3. Employment Terms and Financials

  • Roster and Hours: Dairy rosters vary widely (e.g., 8-and-2, 5-and-2, or varied seasonal milking schedules). Clarify the expected hours during peak spring calving vs. winter to ensure it aligns with your family life.

  • Remuneration & Packages: Review what is included—such as power, vehicle use, or meat allowances—alongside your base salary to calculate your actual net position under New Zealand living costs.

  • Employment Agreements: Ensure you receive a formal, written Individual Employment Agreement that complies with New Zealand employment law before signing or resigning from your current job.

4. Childcare and Education Logistics

  • Early Childhood Education (ECE): If your child is under three or approaching school age, research the availability of local early childhood education or kindergartens near your prospective rural district.

  • Healthcare Enrolment: Check how local healthcare works in rural regions—specifically, where the nearest medical centre or rural nurse clinic is located and how to enrol your child with Plunket or a local GP.

If you'd like, let me know:

  • What specific dairy role or tier (e.g., assistant milker, herd manager) you are targeting
  • Whether the prospective employers are offering on-farm housing

I can help outline what specific questions you should ask the farm owner or manager during your interviews.

Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand country setting

I've worked in dairy farming for years and would move with my partner and young child if I can find steady work. What should I sort out before I decide whether to move?

AI Overview

Moving to a new role in New Zealand's dairy sector with a partner and a young child requires balancing visa pathways, family logistics, and sector-specific employment terms.

Before committing to a move, you should sort out the following five key areas:

1. Visa and Residency Pathways

Your ability to move your entire family depends heavily on your job title and skill level. Under Immigration New Zealand frameworks:

  • The Green List Pathway: Dairy cattle farmers and highly experienced Herd Managers sit on the Immigration New Zealand Green List. Qualifying under a Tier 2 Green List role offers a direct Work to Residence pathway after meeting specific experience and regional requirements (typically requiring at least 3 years of relevant commercial experience).
  • Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): For lower or mid-tier farming roles (like Farm Assistants), you must be hired by an INZ-accredited employer. Ensure your job offer permits family visa sponsorship so your partner can secure an open work visa and your child can access domestic services.

2. On-Farm Accommodations and Housing

In New Zealand, many dairy farming contracts include on-farm housing as part of the total remuneration package. Before signing an agreement, you should check:

  • Suitability for a Child: Verify if the provided house is fenced, insulated, and safe for a young child, as rural farm properties often present heavy machinery and livestock hazards.
  • Utility Arrangements: Confirm whether power, internet, and firewood/heating are bundled into your employment contract or if you must arrange local utilities independently.

3. Childcare and Rural Schooling Logistics

Because dairy farming involves very early morning shifts, organizing your family’s routine is critical:

  • Early Childhood Education (ECE): New Zealand offers subsidized early childhood care (including up to 20 hours free for 3-to-5-year-olds). However, rural daycares can have long waitlists or restricted operating hours that do not align with milking schedules.
  • Partner's Availability: Determine if the distance from major towns allows your partner to find flexible local work, or if they will need to handle primary childcare while you work early splits.

4. Regional Infrastructure and Isolation

The dairy sector is heavily rooted in regional communities. The lifestyle varies depending on how isolated the farm is:

  • Healthcare Access: Look into the proximity of local medical centers or GPs, which is vital when moving with a young child.
  • Transportation: Public transit is practically non-existent in deep rural farming sectors. Budget for purchasing a reliable vehicle immediately upon arrival to navigate rural roads safely.

5. Legitimate Recruitment Agencies and Fees

If you are working with external placement agencies to secure employment, safeguard your finances against scams:

  • Zero Placement Fees: Under New Zealand law, reputable agricultural agencies do not charge job seekers a placement fee. Costs for finding staff are legally paid by the employer. You should only pay for personal documentation, passports, and visa applications.
  • Industry-specific recruiters like The Regions or FRENZ frequently handle compliance, family relocation, and pastoral care for incoming dairy workers.

To help tailor this advice, what specific dairy role (e.g., Assistant, Herd Manager) are you aiming for, and what country are you moving from?

Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026