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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 managed hotels and restaurants for years and need somewhere with steady work where rent isn't overwhelming. Where in New Zealand should I consider?

With years of experience managing hotels and restaurants, I’d look for a New Zealand location where hospitality jobs are available year-round, your management experience commands a decent salary, and rent doesn’t eat up most of your pay.

I wouldn’t automatically head for Auckland or Queenstown. Both have substantial hospitality sectors, but expensive housing can make it harder to get ahead. You may be better off in a regional centre with a mix of hotels, restaurants, pubs, events and tourism, rather than somewhere that depends heavily on a short tourist season.

Where I’d consider moving in New Zealand

1. Christchurch, Canterbury

Best overall balance

A good starting point for experienced managers who want a larger, varied job market without Auckland-level housing costs. Look at hotels, restaurant groups, conference venues, catering and food-and-beverage operations.

Median weekly rent: about $550 in Christchurch City. NZ Rental Medians by Region - the year to August 2026

Why it fits: A larger year-round customer base and a broader range of employers than a small resort town.

2. Palmerston North, Manawatū

Budget-conscious option

Worth considering if keeping living costs down is your priority. Investigate accommodation providers, restaurants, pubs, institutional catering and event venues.

Median weekly rent: about $540 in Palmerston North City. NZ Rental Medians by Region - the year to August 2026

Trade-off: The hospitality market is smaller, so there may be fewer senior management vacancies at any one time.

3. Dunedin, Otago

A reasonable choice for someone seeking a mix of restaurants, accommodation, university-related demand, events and visitor hospitality.

Median weekly rent: about $580 in Dunedin City. NZ Rental Medians by Region - the year to August 2026

Trade-off: Check the actual salary and rental options carefully; rent has been rising, and the management job market is smaller than Christchurch's.

4. Hamilton, Waikato

A practical option for a more diversified local economy, with hospitality demand from business travel, events, restaurants and the wider regional population.

Median weekly rent: about $570 in Hamilton City. NZ Rental Medians by Region - the year to August 2026

Why consider it: It offers a useful middle ground between a major employment centre and the most expensive tourist destinations.

5. Invercargill, Southland

Put this on your list if affordability is a major concern and you're open to a smaller market. Explore hotels, pubs, restaurants, motels and catering roles.

Trade-off: Lower housing costs are appealing, but there are fewer employers to move between if a job doesn't work out. Check current vacancies before relocating.

How the rent compares

These are median weekly rents for new rental bonds over the 12 months to August 2026, not guaranteed rents for a particular property. NZ Rental Medians by Region - the year to August 2026

Location Median rent/week Approx. monthly equivalent
Invercargill $510* $2,210
Palmerston North $540 $2,340
Christchurch $550 $2,380
Hamilton $570 $2,470
Dunedin $580 $2,510
Queenstown-Lakes $780 $3,380

*Invercargill figure is based on the latest available monthly data rather than the same rolling-year measure. Monthly estimates use 52 weeks ÷ 12.

The difference matters: Queenstown-Lakes' median rent is roughly $240 more per week than Christchurch's — about $12,000 more per year. Even a higher-paying resort management job may not leave you better off once housing and seasonal uncertainty are factored in.

Where to look for steady work

For your background, I would prioritise roles that depend on ongoing local demand, rather than relying solely on seasonal tourism.

  • Hotel general manager or operations manager: larger hotels and multi-site operators.
  • Food and beverage manager: hotels, conference centres and larger venues.
  • Restaurant or venue manager: established restaurant groups and busy pubs.
  • Accommodation or facilities operations: motels, serviced accommodation and larger accommodation providers.
  • Institutional catering: hospitals, education providers and corporate catering, which can offer a different balance of hours and stability.

Start with these resources:

Recent SEEK listings show opportunities across multiple regions, but advertised vacancy totals alone don't tell you how many jobs are suitable for experienced managers or how secure they are. Hospitality Manager Jobs in New Zealand, Job Vacancies - Sep 2026Hospitality Manager Full Time Jobs in All New Zealand, Job Vacancies - Sep 2026

My recommendation

I'd start by comparing Christchurch and Palmerston North, then look at Hamilton and Dunedin. Before moving, aim to have a firm job offer and compare the actual take-home pay with the cost of a suitable rental.

One thing would help me narrow this down considerably: what sort of management role are you targeting, and are you happy to live in a smaller regional town?

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand country setting

I've managed hotels and restaurants for years and need somewhere with steady work where rent isn't overwhelming. Where in New Zealand should I consider?

For an experienced hospitality manager looking for a balance between steady, year-round work and a more manageable cost of rent, targeting the right regions in New Zealand is crucial.

Given your background, major international tourism hot spots like Queenstown or central Auckland offer endless employment opportunities, but they often present a punishing mismatch between entry-to-mid-level wages and skyrocketing rental markets.

Instead, consider the following regional categories and types of locations across the country:

1. Provincial Cities & Regional Hubs

  • Examples: Palmerston North, Hamilton, Dunedin, or Invercargill.
  • The Appeal: These cities have stable, diversified local economies (driven by education, healthcare, government, or agriculture) rather than relying solely on volatile tourism seasons.
  • Hospitality Market: They support robust restaurant, café, and hotel sectors, meaning steady management and duty-manager roles are regularly available.
  • Rent vs. Work: Rental costs are substantially lower than in Auckland, Wellington, or Queenstown, allowing a management salary to stretch much further.

2. Secondary Tourism and Lifestyle Towns

  • Examples: Rotorua, Nelson/Tasman, Hawke’s Bay (Napier/Hastings), or Northland (Whangārei/Bay of Islands).
  • The Appeal: These regions maintain a healthy year-round visitor economy without the extreme, hyper-inflated housing costs of primary alpine or metropolitan hotspots.
  • Hospitality Market: Hotels, lodges, wineries, and tourism-adjacent restaurants constantly seek seasoned professionals who can step into leadership and operational roles.
  • Rent vs. Work: While summer peaks bring high demand, rental markets are generally more grounded, especially if you look slightly outside the immediate central tourist strips.

What to Keep in Mind for Your Search:

  • The Management Advantage: As someone with years of hotel and restaurant management experience, you will be targeting roles (such as Hotel Duty Manager, FOH Manager, or Operations Manager) that sit comfortably above the minimum-wage bracket, insulating you better against living costs than frontline staff.
  • Accommodation Perks: In certain regional lodge setups, boutique hotels, or remote tourism ventures (such as parts of the West Coast of the South Island or Fiordland), employers occasionally offer staff accommodation or live-in management packages, which can entirely bypass local rental market pressures.
  • Targeting Your Search: Keep an eye on regional boards and nationwide employment platforms filtered outside the main metro centers, focusing on areas where regional tourism meets stable local populations.
Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand country setting

I've managed hotels and restaurants for years and need somewhere with steady work where rent isn't overwhelming. Where in New Zealand should I consider?

With your background in hotel and restaurant management, you are in a strong position because your skillset applies to both metropolitan hospitality and the country's booming regional tourism hubs. However, balancing steady work with manageable rent means looking past Auckland or Queenstown —where management roles are plentiful, but rental stress is notoriously high.

When targeting the New Zealand country level for a mix of career stability and reasonable living costs, consider these regional directions:

  • ** Christchurch (Canterbury)**: As the South Island's largest urban center, Christchurch features a continuously revitalized dining, bar, and hotel precinct. Unlike Auckland , it boasts a much more balanced ratio of average incomes to housing costs, meaning your management experience will secure steady corporate or independent venue work without your rent devouring your paycheck.

  • Regional Tourism Hubs with Year-Round Appeal (e.g.,Rotorua or New Plymouth): While Queenstown is famous for hospitality, places like Rotorua or New Plymouth offer a robust mix of tourism, local dining, and accommodation sectors driven by steady domestic and international traffic. The rental and property markets here are significantly less punishing than in primary metropolitan centers or alpine resorts.

  • Provincial Cities (e.g.,Palmerston North or Hamilton): If your expertise leans more toward steady restaurant operations, cafes, or hotel conferencing tied to a reliable local population rather than pure tourism, these central North Island hubs offer low unemployment, a welcoming community for newcomers, and a very sensible cost of living.

As discussed by users on Reddit, hospitality professionals often find the best sweet spot by looking at thriving mid-sized cities or established regional towns rather than chasing high-cost tourist hotspots.

To help narrow this down, could you tell me:

  • Do you prefer a busy tourist/resort environment or a stable local community market?
  • Are you looking to lean more toward hotel operations or restaurant/bar management?
Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand country setting

I've managed hotels and restaurants for years and need somewhere with steady work where rent isn't overwhelming. Where in New Zealand should I consider?

AI Overview

For experienced hotel and restaurant managers, balancing year-round hospitality work with manageable rent means looking outside of New Zealand’s highest-cost metros (Auckland and Wellington) and seasonal resort towns (like Queenstown), where accommodation is notoriously scarce and expensive.

To find steady employment that survives the off-season without draining your income, consider the following regions:

1. Canterbury (Outside Christchurch Core)

  • The Vibe: Canterbury features a robust mix of corporate, agricultural, and domestic tourism traffic, ensuring hospitality venues operate smoothly year-round.
  • Why it works: Look toward mid-sized hospitality hubs like Ashburton , Timaru , or the Selwyn District. Because these areas aren't purely reliant on international holidaymakers, restaurants and motels see stable trade. Rent prices are significantly lower than nearby Christchurch and a fraction of what you would pay in the major metros.

2. Hawkes Bay

  • The Vibe: As New Zealand's premier food and wine destination, this region boasts a powerhouse culinary scene.
  • Why it works: The twin cities of Napier and Hastings maintain a permanent, affluent local population alongside massive domestic weekend tourism. While grape harvesting is seasonal, the high-end dining, winery restaurants, and boutique accommodation sectors require permanent, skilled management teams. Rent remains much more reasonable than in the upper North Island.

3. Manawatū-Whanganui

  • The Vibe: A highly stable, inland region driven by tertiary education, government infrastructure, and logistics.
  • Why it works: Centred around Palmerston North , this region is largely immune to the seasonal tourist slumps that hit coastal towns. A massive student population and commercial sector ensure consistent restaurant and hotel demand. Rent index averages here are among the most competitive for a major urban zone in the country.

4. Taranaki

  • The Vibe: Backed by the energy and agricultural sectors, Taranaki has a wealthy corporate travel base.
  • Why it works: New Plymouth regularly punches above its weight for its vibrant arts, café, and restaurant culture. The corporate hotel market here runs steadily through the winter months. Rent is highly manageable, offering an exceptional quality of life and great work-life balance near the coast.

5. The "Accommodation Provided" Strategy

Because you have high-level hotel management experience, a highly strategic path is to search specifically for roles that include subsidised or free live-in accommodation. Many mid-tier hotels, holiday parks, and luxury lodges across regional New Zealand struggle to attract skilled operational managers and will bundle a comfortable manager's apartment into the salary package. This completely eliminates the local rental market pressure regardless of where you choose to live.

To narrow down your options, it would help to know:

  • Do you prefer the fast pace of large restaurants and bars , or the operational structure of hotels and motels?
  • Are you looking to rent a standalone house , or would a live-in manager's apartment be an option?
  • Do you prefer a specific climate, or do you have a preference between the North Island and the South Island?
Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026