---
title: "Renter with variable work hours"
publisher: "Onsomble Limited"
publication: "NZBrands.ai"
edition: 1
collected_on: "2026-10-05"
html_url: "https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/1/voters/s03/"
---

# Renter with variable work hours

Edition 1 · answers collected 5 October 2026.

[Read on NZBrands.ai](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/1/voters/s03/)

I rent with my partner and work rostered hours that change from week to week. Our pay can drop unexpectedly, but rent and bills don't.

This is a designed voter situation, not a representative sample or a finding about everyone in that group.

## What they asked

### PF011 · Housing

I rent with my partner and work rostered hours that change from week to week. Our pay can drop unexpectedly, but rent and bills don't. I am considering my vote in the 2026 New Zealand general election. What would the parties change about rental affordability, tenancy protections and the supply of rental homes?

Study-assigned priority: Major. This is a design assumption, not a measured preference. Reason: Rent and tenancy security are immediate exposure.

[Read the captured answers (Markdown)](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/1/questions/aad955c0-4953-48fe-804b-51fe7f380ba2.md)

### PF012 · Jobs and unemployment

I rent with my partner and work rostered hours that change from week to week. Our pay can drop unexpectedly, but rent and bills don't. I am considering my vote in the 2026 New Zealand general election. Which parties would change rules around guaranteed hours, casual work and sick leave, and what are the trade-offs?

Study-assigned priority: Major. This is a design assumption, not a measured preference. Reason: Unpredictable hours create income instability.

[Read the captured answers (Markdown)](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/1/questions/bcb5e5bc-b63b-4169-8295-e03c3d7002e4.md)

### PF013 · Cost of living

I rent with my partner and work rostered hours that change from week to week. Our pay can drop unexpectedly, but rent and bills don't. I am considering my vote in the 2026 New Zealand general election. What would parties do for households whose wages are not keeping up with groceries and bills?

Study-assigned priority: Major. This is a design assumption, not a measured preference. Reason: Fixed bills continue when earnings fall.

[Read the captured answers (Markdown)](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/1/questions/a5f87efc-fba5-41c3-b6b0-39ae9b3e28ed.md)

### PF014 · Fuel and energy

I rent with my partner and work rostered hours that change from week to week. Our pay can drop unexpectedly, but rent and bills don't. I am considering my vote in the 2026 New Zealand general election. How do parties plan to bring down electricity costs, and is there evidence their proposals would work?

Study-assigned priority: Major. This is a design assumption, not a measured preference. Reason: Power is an unavoidable household expense.

[Read the captured answers (Markdown)](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/1/questions/345f904e-a1c8-4eb8-8b7a-57bb92b61f5c.md)

### PF015 · Tax and public spending

I rent with my partner and work rostered hours that change from week to week. Our pay can drop unexpectedly, but rent and bills don't. I am considering my vote in the 2026 New Zealand general election. How would the parties' tax plans affect take-home pay for workers on modest incomes?

Study-assigned priority: Secondary. This is a design assumption, not a measured preference. Reason: Take-home pay and service funding are connected.

[Read the captured answers (Markdown)](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/1/questions/4312b060-77f1-4fcd-bf27-813a564b3a4e.md)

### PF016 · Healthcare

I rent with my partner and work rostered hours that change from week to week. Our pay can drop unexpectedly, but rent and bills don't. I am considering my vote in the 2026 New Zealand general election. What are parties proposing about GP costs and access for working people who struggle to afford an appointment?

Study-assigned priority: Secondary. This is a design assumption, not a measured preference. Reason: Lost income compounds out-of-pocket medical expenses.

[Read the captured answers (Markdown)](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/1/questions/efb50721-f731-4bea-b45a-e0c98d1e3763.md)

### PF017 · Housing

I rent with my partner and work rostered hours that change from week to week. Our pay can drop unexpectedly, but rent and bills don't. I am considering my vote in the 2026 New Zealand general election. If rent security and having enough money left each week are my biggest priorities, which party would you recommend I vote for, and what are the trade-offs?

Study-assigned priority: Major. This is a design assumption, not a measured preference. Reason: An immediate housing/income dilemma motivates asking for a recommendation.

[Read the captured answers (Markdown)](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/1/questions/03a1575f-5356-49a2-97b5-ae43c0bb7cb8.md)

## Which parties AI put in front of this voter

Of the 28 answers this voter received, 15 left out at least one of the six parties in Parliament. Te Pāti Māori was named least often, in 15 of 28.

| Party | Answers naming party | Answers collected |
| --- | --- | --- |
| National | 28 | 28 |
| Labour | 28 | 28 |
| Greens | 27 | 28 |
| ACT | 27 | 28 |
| NZ First | 19 | 28 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 15 | 28 |
| Opportunity | 10 | 28 |

## Issue by issue

## Housing

| Party | Answers naming party | Answers on issue | Share | Positive claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims | Mixed claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 8 | 8 | 100.0% | 19 | 28 | 3 | 2 |
| Labour | 8 | 8 | 100.0% | 19 | 33 | 2 | 1 |
| Greens | 8 | 8 | 100.0% | 19 | 40 | 0 | 2 |
| ACT | 7 | 8 | 87.5% | 12 | 25 | 2 | 1 |
| NZ First | 3 | 8 | 37.5% | 1 | 8 | 0 | 1 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 4 | 8 | 50.0% | 3 | 7 | 0 | 1 |
| Opportunity | 2 | 8 | 25.0% | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 |

## Jobs and unemployment

| Party | Answers naming party | Answers on issue | Share | Positive claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims | Mixed claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 4 | 4 | 100.0% | 8 | 8 | 3 | 2 |
| Labour | 4 | 4 | 100.0% | 16 | 10 | 2 | 2 |
| Greens | 4 | 4 | 100.0% | 16 | 9 | 3 | 2 |
| ACT | 4 | 4 | 100.0% | 4 | 9 | 3 | 2 |
| NZ First | 3 | 4 | 75.0% | 0 | 8 | 1 | 1 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 2 | 4 | 50.0% | 6 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Opportunity | 1 | 4 | 25.0% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |

## Cost of living

| Party | Answers naming party | Answers on issue | Share | Positive claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims | Mixed claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 4 | 4 | 100.0% | 6 | 11 | 0 | 1 |
| Labour | 4 | 4 | 100.0% | 18 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Greens | 4 | 4 | 100.0% | 9 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| ACT | 4 | 4 | 100.0% | 6 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| NZ First | 4 | 4 | 100.0% | 5 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 2 | 4 | 50.0% | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Opportunity | 1 | 4 | 25.0% | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |

## Fuel and energy

| Party | Answers naming party | Answers on issue | Share | Positive claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims | Mixed claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 4 | 4 | 100.0% | 5 | 22 | 2 | 2 |
| Labour | 4 | 4 | 100.0% | 8 | 13 | 2 | 3 |
| Greens | 4 | 4 | 100.0% | 7 | 13 | 3 | 3 |
| ACT | 4 | 4 | 100.0% | 0 | 8 | 2 | 1 |
| NZ First | 3 | 4 | 75.0% | 2 | 7 | 2 | 2 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 2 | 4 | 50.0% | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Opportunity | 1 | 4 | 25.0% | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |

## Tax and public spending

| Party | Answers naming party | Answers on issue | Share | Positive claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims | Mixed claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 4 | 4 | 100.0% | 1 | 13 | 3 | 0 |
| Labour | 4 | 4 | 100.0% | 2 | 8 | 2 | 2 |
| Greens | 4 | 4 | 100.0% | 14 | 8 | 0 | 1 |
| ACT | 4 | 4 | 100.0% | 1 | 12 | 3 | 1 |
| NZ First | 4 | 4 | 100.0% | 3 | 8 | 3 | 0 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 4 | 4 | 100.0% | 11 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Opportunity | 4 | 4 | 100.0% | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |

## Healthcare

| Party | Answers naming party | Answers on issue | Share | Positive claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims | Mixed claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 4 | 4 | 100.0% | 7 | 11 | 0 | 1 |
| Labour | 4 | 4 | 100.0% | 15 | 9 | 1 | 1 |
| Greens | 3 | 4 | 75.0% | 8 | 6 | 0 | 1 |
| ACT | 4 | 4 | 100.0% | 4 | 10 | 0 | 1 |
| NZ First | 2 | 4 | 50.0% | 0 | 9 | 2 | 0 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 1 | 4 | 25.0% | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Opportunity | 1 | 4 | 25.0% | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |

## How the assistants handled this voter’s main question

For a renter whose hours fluctuate, PF011 recognises predictability as an issue in its own right. ChatGPT identifies rent stability, protection from sudden housing shocks and rental supply, rather than assuming that all housing questions should lead to homeownership. It also warns that announced positions are not a promise of what becomes law.

Gemini closes by asking the voter to choose strict price controls or longer-term stability and supply; AI Mode similarly contrasts direct intervention with market approaches. These are understandable comparison axes, but stability is not exclusive to one mechanism and renters do not have to choose only one concern. The way an answer defines the available trade-offs can influence the user's next question before any party is recommended.

The dossier includes a second housing prompt and employment, energy, tax and health questions because variable earnings create interacting risks. An answer needs to connect rent obligations to income shocks and assistance eligibility. The focal comparison supports a finding about framing; it does not establish which party would actually reduce this household's rent or prevent a move.

ChatGPT

> If your household income can swing because of rostered work, the issues you’re weighing are likely less about home ownership policy and more about rent stability, protection from sudden housing shocks, and whether the rental market has enough supply to keep pressure on prices.

[Full captured answer](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/1/questions/aad955c0-4953-48fe-804b-51fe7f380ba2.md)

Gemini

> When balancing variable income with fixed living costs like rent and bills, housing stability and predictability are critical. As New Zealand heads toward the November 2026 general election, the major political parties present starkly different philosophies on how to tackle rental affordability, tenant protections, and housing supply.

[Full captured answer](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/1/questions/aad955c0-4953-48fe-804b-51fe7f380ba2.md)

Google AI Mode

> Navigating rostered hours and fluctuating weekly pay while fixed costs like rent and bills stay rigid is a stressful balancing act. Ahead of the NZ Election 2026, New Zealand's political parties offer distinct approaches to rental affordability, tenancy rights, and housing supply.

[Full captured answer](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/1/questions/aad955c0-4953-48fe-804b-51fe7f380ba2.md)

Google AI Overviews

> For the 2026 New Zealand general election , political parties are divided into two distinct philosophies regarding housing: direct intervention to protect tenants versus increasing market supply to lower costs. For a renter with unpredictable rostered hours, these policies directly impact your financial predictability and housing security.

[Full captured answer](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/1/questions/aad955c0-4953-48fe-804b-51fe7f380ba2.md)

## Sources recorded against the answers

## ChatGPT

| Answers collected | Answers with sources recorded | Answers showing a link |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 7 | 7 | 7 |

| Website | Answers with this website recorded |
| --- | --- |
| greens.org.nz | 6 |
| labour.org.nz | 6 |
| national.org.nz | 6 |
| act.org.nz | 5 |
| nzfirst.nz | 4 |
| 1news.co.nz | 2 |
| action.greens.org.nz | 2 |
| beehive.govt.nz | 2 |
| deloitte.com | 2 |
| policy.nz | 2 |

Publisher counts sum recorded website/answer associations; one answer can contribute to several websites and publisher types.

| Publisher type | Recorded associations |
| --- | --- |
| Party websites | 31 |
| Government | 13 |
| News | 4 |
| Comparison sites | 3 |
| Advocacy groups | 0 |
| Businesses | 3 |
| Social media | 0 |
| Other | 4 |

## Gemini

| Answers collected | Answers with sources recorded | Answers showing a link |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 7 | 7 | 0 |

| Website | Answers with this website recorded |
| --- | --- |
| nzvotecheck.com | 3 |
| phcc.org.nz | 3 |
| facebook.com | 2 |
| apex.org.nz | 1 |
| astech.biz | 1 |
| deloitte.com | 1 |
| electrification.co.nz | 1 |
| employment.govt.nz | 1 |
| harcourts.net | 1 |
| knowledge.dlapiper.com | 1 |

Publisher counts sum recorded website/answer associations; one answer can contribute to several websites and publisher types.

| Publisher type | Recorded associations |
| --- | --- |
| Party websites | 2 |
| Government | 1 |
| News | 1 |
| Comparison sites | 3 |
| Advocacy groups | 6 |
| Businesses | 6 |
| Social media | 2 |
| Other | 1 |

## Google AI Mode

| Answers collected | Answers with sources recorded | Answers showing a link |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 7 | 7 | 0 |

| Website | Answers with this website recorded |
| --- | --- |
| greens.org.nz | 5 |
| rnz.co.nz | 5 |
| policy.nz | 3 |
| facebook.com | 2 |
| labour.org.nz | 2 |
| nzherald.co.nz | 2 |
| 1news.co.nz | 1 |
| bramwellbate.co.nz | 1 |
| consumer.org.nz | 1 |
| ifindproperty.co.nz | 1 |

Publisher counts sum recorded website/answer associations; one answer can contribute to several websites and publisher types.

| Publisher type | Recorded associations |
| --- | --- |
| Party websites | 8 |
| Government | 1 |
| News | 8 |
| Comparison sites | 4 |
| Advocacy groups | 1 |
| Businesses | 3 |
| Social media | 3 |
| Other | 1 |

## Google AI Overviews

| Answers collected | Answers with sources recorded | Answers showing a link |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 7 | 7 | 1 |

| Website | Answers with this website recorded |
| --- | --- |
| rnz.co.nz | 6 |
| 1news.co.nz | 4 |
| labour.org.nz | 4 |
| policy.nz | 3 |
| employment.govt.nz | 2 |
| facebook.com | 2 |
| greens.org.nz | 2 |
| kpmg.com | 2 |
| national.org.nz | 2 |
| newsroom.co.nz | 2 |

Publisher counts sum recorded website/answer associations; one answer can contribute to several websites and publisher types.

| Publisher type | Recorded associations |
| --- | --- |
| Party websites | 8 |
| Government | 3 |
| News | 18 |
| Comparison sites | 5 |
| Advocacy groups | 1 |
| Businesses | 9 |
| Social media | 3 |
| Other | 11 |

## What this can and cannot tell you

One set of answers, from made-up voters, on one day.

Each question was asked once. AI assistants vary their answers, so a repeat run would differ in wording and detail. The location comparison shows that answers differed; proving that location caused the difference would need repeat runs and verified access locations.

The voters are designed situations, not a sample of New Zealanders. The study shows what the assistants said and lets anyone check it. It does not show whether anyone changed their vote, or why the assistants answered as they did.

We read all 32 voting-guidance answers and the case-study questions in full, and checked 17 statements. We have not read all 815 answers in full or checked every policy claim.

[Read the complete methodology](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/1/method.md)

## Publication and corrections

Published and funded by Onsomble Limited. NZBrands.ai takes no view on any party or policy.

[Independence](https://nzbrands.ai/about/independence/) · [Corrections](https://nzbrands.ai/about/corrections/) · [Contact](https://nzbrands.ai/about/contact/)