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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

is moving to New Zealand at 17 for my last year of high school and then university a good idea if my parents stay overseas and pay my costs?

Honestly, yes — moving to New Zealand at 17 for your final year of high school and then university could be a really good idea, especially if your parents can comfortably cover your expenses. But I would make the decision based on more than just whether you can afford it.

You're considering two big transitions at once: moving to another country while still a teenager, and starting university in a place where you may not have family nearby. That can be an amazing opportunity for independence, personal growth and education, but it also comes with real challenges.

My take is that it can be worth it if you have a solid support system, a realistic financial plan, and a clear reason for choosing New Zealand.

The biggest pros and cons

Why it could be a great decision

  • A fresh start: You get to build your own life, meet new people and become more independent.
  • A pathway to university: You can experience the New Zealand education system before committing to a degree.
  • Personal growth: Managing everyday life away from your parents can help you become more confident and self-reliant.
  • An international experience: Living overseas can broaden your perspective and create opportunities for your future.
  • More independence while still having financial support: If your parents pay your costs, you can focus more on school and settling in rather than worrying about earning enough to survive.

What could make it difficult

  • Loneliness: Your friends and family won't be around for everyday moments or difficult days.
  • The pressure of being independent at 17: Cooking, budgeting, appointments and dealing with problems can be a lot to manage alongside school.
  • Academic adjustment: Your final school year, university entry requirements and subject choices need careful planning.
  • Distance from family: Visiting home may be expensive, and time zones can make regular communication harder.
  • Unexpected costs: Rent, accommodation deposits, healthcare, travel and emergencies can add up beyond the basic budget.

The most important thing to understand: being 17 changes the plan

New Zealand has specific requirements for international students who are under 18. If you move without your parents, you generally need an approved accommodation and caregiving arrangement through your school or education provider. For example, the University of Auckland requires students under 18 to live in approved accommodation, such as a university hall, homestay or with an approved caregiver. Requirements vary by institution. Enrolling students from overseasUnder 18 international students

Before committing, make sure you have these things sorted out:

  • Accommodation: A safe place to live for your final school year and a plan for where you'll live when you start university.
  • Visa and fees: Confirm your eligibility, international tuition fees and any insurance requirements.
  • A trusted adult: Someone in New Zealand who can help if you get sick, have a housing problem or need urgent support.
  • A financial safety net: Your parents should budget for emergencies and flights home, not just tuition and rent.
  • A plan for university: Check whether your school qualifications will meet the entry requirements for the degree you want.

Official starting points are the New Zealand Ministry of Education and Immigration New Zealand.

Would I recommend it?

I'd lean towards yes, provided you're excited about the move for your own reasons and not just because you want to escape your current situation or think life overseas will automatically be better.

You don't need to be completely ready to live independently at 17. You do need to be willing to learn, ask for help and accept that the first few months might be difficult.

One thing I'd especially consider is whether moving for just your final year of high school gives you a meaningful advantage. If it helps you qualify for your preferred university, build a network and settle into the country before university begins, that could be a very sensible long-term investment. But don't assume that studying your final year in New Zealand automatically gives you domestic university fees or residency.

Can I ask you three things?

Your answers would make a big difference to my advice.

With those details, I can give you a much more honest assessment of whether this is a smart move for your education, finances and future — rather than just telling you that moving abroad sounds exciting.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand country setting

is moving to New Zealand at 17 for my last year of high school and then university a good idea if my parents stay overseas and pay my costs?

Moving to New Zealand at 17 as an international student for your final year of high school (often Year 13) followed by university—while your parents fund your expenses from overseas—is an exciting prospect, but it involves major regulatory, financial, and emotional hurdles that require careful planning.

1. The Legal & Regulatory Hurdles (Crucial for Age 17)

Under New Zealand law and Immigration New Zealand (INZ) regulations, being 17 changes how you can live and study independently:

  • The Pastoral Care Code: New Zealand schools are strictly bound by the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice. If you are under 18, schools cannot simply let you rent an apartment or live completely on your own without an approved living arrangement.
  • Accommodation Requirements: Because you are under 18, you will typically be required by the school and immigration rules to live in a school-approved homestay, with a designated legal guardian, or in institutional accommodation explicitly approved for minors.
  • The Guardian Visa Limitation: While your parents are staying overseas, note that New Zealand's "Guardian Visitor Visa" requires a parent to physically live with you in NZ if you are under 18. Since they plan to stay overseas, you cannot use that route; you will have to rely heavily on school-managed homestays or boarding until you turn 18.

2. Financial Reality Check (International Fees)

Because your parents are paying your costs, you need to budget for the distinct cost structure applied to international students in New Zealand:

  • High School Fees: International fee-paying students at public high schools typically pay tuition ranging from NZD $14,000 to $18,000 per year, plus compulsory insurance, uniforms, and activity fees.
  • Living Costs: Immigration New Zealand generally requires proof that international students have at least NZD $20,000 to $25,000 per year for living expenses (rent, food, transport), though actual costs in major student hubs like Auckland or Wellington can be higher.
  • University International Fees: Once you transition to university, international student tuition fees are vastly higher than domestic rates—often ranging from NZD $32,000 to over $50,000+ per year depending on the degree (e.g., arts/commerce vs. engineering/medicine). Ensure your parents are prepared for international university fees for 3 to 4 years, as you will not qualify for domestic student loans or government subsidies as an international student until you secure a permanent residence class visa.

3. Pros of Making the Move

  • Smooth Transition to Uni Culture: Doing your final year of high school in New Zealand gives you a 12-month buffer to adapt to the Kiwi accent, teaching styles, and social landscape before jumping into the deep end of university.
  • World-Class Education: New Zealand universities (such as the University of Auckland, University of Otago, or Victoria University of Wellington) offer globally recognized degrees in a safe, English-speaking environment.
  • Pathway to Residency: Studying in New Zealand can eventually open pathways to post-study work visas and long-term residency options if you decide to build a career there after graduation.

4. Cons and Risks to Consider

  • Isolation and Independence: Moving across the globe at 17 without your family means managing heavy life admin—cooking, budgeting, housing, and healthcare—while navigating your final high school exams (like NCEA Level 3 or CIE) and transitioning to adulthood.
  • Financial Vulnerability to Exchange Rates: Since your funding relies entirely on overseas remittances, your budget will fluctuate based on currency exchange rates between your home country's currency and the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).

Recommended Next Steps & Action Plan

  1. Contact Prospective High Schools: Reach out to the international departments of New Zealand high schools to ask specifically: "What are your mandatory accommodation policies for a 17-year-old whose parents reside overseas?"
  2. Calculate the Multi-Year Budget: Map out a realistic financial spreadsheet covering Year 13 international tuition + homestay fees, followed by 3–4 years of international university tuition and living costs, factoring in a buffer for currency exchange fluctuations.
  3. Verify Visa Checklists: Review the Fee-Paying Student Visa requirements on the official Immigration New Zealand website to ensure your family can readily provide the required financial undertakings.

Are you hoping to stay in New Zealand long-term for work and residency after university, or is the plan primarily to earn your degree and move elsewhere?

Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 15–20 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand country setting

is moving to New Zealand at 17 for my last year of high school and then university a good idea if my parents stay overseas and pay my costs?

Moving to New Zealand at 17 without your parents can provide a safe, high-quality educational environment and a smooth cultural transition, but it presents significant emotional, legal, and financial hurdles that require careful planning.

Advantages

  • Safety and Quality of Life: New Zealand consistently ranks as one of the safest, most peaceful countries globally, with a low-density, clean environment ideal for focusing on studies.

  • Soft Landing for University: Doing your final year of high school (Year 13) in New Zealand lets you adapt to the local culture, teaching style, and academic expectations before entering university.

  • Global Recognition: New Zealand qualifications and degrees are internationally respected, and the academic system is straightforward to navigate.

Challenges and Considerations

  • Legal and Guardianship Status: At 17, you are a minor under New Zealand law. If your parents are overseas, boarding schools or educational providers will require a designated local legal guardian or caregiver arrangement to sign off on medical, housing, and school documents until you turn 18.

  • Visa Requirements: As an international student under 18 whose parents are not living in the country, you will need a specific student visa with strict pastoral care requirements mandated by the Immigration New Zealand and education codes.

  • Cost of Living and Isolation: While your parents are paying, New Zealand has a high cost of living—especially for imported goods, utilities, and accommodation—and the geographical isolation means traveling back home during breaks is expensive and time-consuming.

  • Emotional Toll: Moving countries independently at a pivotal developmental age means managing loneliness, budgeting, cooking, and navigating administrative hurdles without immediate in-person parental support.

To help narrow down whether this is a realistic path for you, could you share:

  • Your citizenship/passport (to check visa or domestic status)
  • Whether you have family or trusted contacts already living in New Zealand who could act as legal guardians
  • What kind of high school arrangement you are looking at (boarding school vs. designated caregiver)
Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand country setting

is moving to New Zealand at 17 for my last year of high school and then university a good idea if my parents stay overseas and pay my costs?

AI Overview

Moving to New Zealand at 17 for your final year of high school and university is a highly viable and rewarding path, provided your parents can fully fund it. New Zealand offers a safe environment, a top-tier education system, and an excellent pathway to permanent residency via a Fee Paying Student Visa. However, moving solo at 17 introduces specific legal, logistical, and social challenges you must plan for.

The Legal & Visa Reality

Because your parents will remain overseas, you will need to navigate your move through Immigration New Zealand strictly as an international student.

  • The Funds Requirement: For a Student Visa, you must prove you have at least NZD $20,000 per year (or $1,667 per month) available for living costs, on top of your high school or university tuition fees. Since your parents are paying, they can act as financial guarantors by providing bank statements during the visa application.
  • The "Under 18" Rule: Because you are 17, New Zealand immigration and educational institutions have strict welfare requirements. You cannot simply rent your own apartment. You will be required to live in school-approved accommodation, such as a registered homestay (host family) or a designated school hostel, until you turn 18.

Pros & Cons of the High School to University Pathway

Starting at Year 13 (the final year of New Zealand high school) before entering university gives you a major advantage, but there are tradeoffs to keep in mind:

Pros Cons
Easier University Transition: You will earn NCEA Level 3 (or IB/Cambridge), making University Entrance (UE) straightforward. International Fees: You will pay high international tuition fees for both high school and university.
Social Landing Pad: High school makes it much easier to build a friend group and adapt to Kiwi culture before university. Age Restrictions: Being 17 means strict curfews and monitoring by your accommodation provider.
Post-Study Work Rights: Graduating from an NZ university unlocks a Post-Study Work Visa, a great stepping stone to residency. High Cost of Living: New Zealand has high living costs (groceries, transport, rent), which your parents must budget for.

Practical Steps for the Move

If you decide to go ahead with this plan, you should follow this chronological checklist:

  1. Enroll in High School: Find a New Zealand high school that is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice. They will assist you with setting up your approved homestay accommodation.

  2. Apply for the Visa: Once you receive a "Confirmed Offer of Place" and pay your first year of high school fees, apply for your Fee Paying Student Visa.

  3. Set Up Local Finances: Upon arrival, you will need to set up a local bank account and get an IRD (tax) number through Inland Revenue. Even though your parents pay your way, you will need local cards for daily life.

  4. Part-Time Work Rights: Once you are at university (or if your high school visa allows it), you are typically permitted to work up to 20 hours per week , which is great for extra pocket money and gaining local work experience.

To help look into specific schools or universities, what subjects or career paths are you planning to study? Let me know if you also want to find out which regions are best for those fields.

Ask anything

Captured 15–20 October 2026