# How AI informs New Zealand voters

Edition 4 · answers collected 19 October 2026.

[Read on NZBrands.ai](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4)

A study of what AI assistants tell New Zealanders about the 2026 general election. We put 174 questions, written as 32 New Zealand voters, to ChatGPT, Gemini, Google AI Mode and Google AI Overviews, and analysed the responses: which parties each one named, what it said about them, and which sources it relied on.

## Study figures

| Measure | Value | Meaning |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AI assistants | 4 | The four AI tools we asked: ChatGPT, Gemini, Google AI Mode, and the AI Overviews that appear at the top of Google search results. |
| questions | 174 | The questions we put to every assistant, each written the way a real voter would ask it. |
| voter profiles | 32 | Every question was asked as one of 32 New Zealanders, such as a first-time voter, a sole parent or a farming household, so the answers reflect different people’s lives. |
| topics | 20 | The subjects the questions cover, such as housing, healthcare, retirement and infrastructure. |
| locations | 9 | We also asked from nine locations around the country, from Northland to Queenstown Lakes, to see whether the answers change depending on where you are. |
| answers analysed | 776 | The 776 answers produced on 19 October. Google did not produce an AI Overview for 36 of the planned question-and-location combinations, or an AI Mode answer for eight. |
| collected | 19 Oct | This edition contains the answers collected on 19 October. |

## Key results at a glance

### Ask the same question three days later and you will probably hear about different parties.

485 of 776

485 of the same 776 answers named a different set of parties on 19 October than on 16 October.

[See which parties were named](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4#data)

### Te Pāti Māori was named less often, while ACT and the Greens were named more.

316 of 776

On the same 776 answers, Te Pāti Māori fell from 338 to 316. ACT rose from 610 to 624 and the Greens from 674 to 683.

[Compare the parties](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4#data)

### Asking from a location changed the parties named more often than before.

77 of 116

We asked the same questions nationally and from nine locations. In 77 of 116 complete pairs the location answer named different parties, up from 57 of the same pairs on 16 October. One answer per setting shows variation; it does not show that the location caused it.

[Explore the nine locations](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4#situations)

### AI still will not tell you who to vote for, but it will point you in a direction.

22 of 31

When voters asked who to vote for, no answer named a single party. As on 16 October, 22 of the 31 answers said which parties fit the voter's priorities, and 17 said plainly that the choice was the voter's, up from 14.

[See what the answers did](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4#guidance)

### Fewer Google AI Overviews showed a link you could click.

52 of 169

On the same questions, 52 of 169 AI Overviews included a link, down from 57 on 16 October.

[See links by assistant](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4#sources)

### Three of the thirteen statements we checked were wrong.

3 of 13

Gemini gave an overseas voter two wrong rules about enrolling from overseas, and Google AI Mode described Te Pāti Māori's aim as 'Moorish self-determination'. Three more statements left out an important condition.

[See every check](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4#checks)

## Seven displayed parties: how often each was named

| Entity | Answers naming it | Earlier edition |
| --- | --- | --- |
| National | 705 | 707 |
| Labour | 694 | 691 |
| Greens | 683 | 674 |
| ACT | 624 | 610 |
| NZ First | 529 | 527 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 316 | 338 |
| Opportunity | 245 | 244 |

## Seven displayed parties, issue by issue

## Housing

| Party | Recommended answers | Collected answers | Share | Positive claims | Mixed claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 96 | 97 | 99% | 159 | 35 | 361 | 49 |
| Labour | 96 | 97 | 99% | 185 | 35 | 324 | 29 |
| Greens | 96 | 97 | 99% | 181 | 18 | 348 | 21 |
| ACT | 90 | 97 | 93% | 103 | 18 | 328 | 26 |
| NZ First | 60 | 97 | 62% | 40 | 9 | 170 | 17 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 30 | 97 | 31% | 18 | 7 | 70 | 4 |
| Opportunity | 46 | 97 | 47% | 44 | 6 | 113 | 9 |

## Infrastructure and local services

| Party | Recommended answers | Collected answers | Share | Positive claims | Mixed claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 74 | 93 | 80% | 65 | 20 | 323 | 37 |
| Labour | 66 | 93 | 71% | 97 | 18 | 188 | 17 |
| Greens | 67 | 93 | 72% | 136 | 10 | 204 | 11 |
| ACT | 52 | 93 | 56% | 28 | 12 | 154 | 16 |
| NZ First | 48 | 93 | 52% | 24 | 10 | 116 | 11 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 12 | 93 | 13% | 6 | 1 | 29 | 1 |
| Opportunity | 13 | 93 | 14% | 10 | 3 | 26 | 2 |

## Healthcare

| Party | Recommended answers | Collected answers | Share | Positive claims | Mixed claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 65 | 72 | 90% | 107 | 6 | 249 | 22 |
| Labour | 65 | 72 | 90% | 161 | 13 | 248 | 21 |
| Greens | 65 | 72 | 90% | 135 | 2 | 194 | 7 |
| ACT | 64 | 72 | 89% | 61 | 8 | 230 | 10 |
| NZ First | 54 | 72 | 75% | 41 | 7 | 173 | 17 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 42 | 72 | 58% | 41 | 4 | 134 | 7 |
| Opportunity | 25 | 72 | 35% | 25 | 5 | 62 | 7 |

## Cost of living

| Party | Recommended answers | Collected answers | Share | Positive claims | Mixed claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 63 | 68 | 93% | 99 | 16 | 235 | 33 |
| Labour | 66 | 68 | 97% | 189 | 17 | 255 | 11 |
| Greens | 61 | 68 | 90% | 129 | 7 | 230 | 12 |
| ACT | 52 | 68 | 76% | 41 | 9 | 184 | 15 |
| NZ First | 45 | 68 | 66% | 45 | 8 | 136 | 8 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 32 | 68 | 47% | 47 | 1 | 96 | 1 |
| Opportunity | 18 | 68 | 26% | 16 | 3 | 39 | 0 |

## Jobs and unemployment

| Party | Recommended answers | Collected answers | Share | Positive claims | Mixed claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 57 | 57 | 100% | 83 | 12 | 219 | 20 |
| Labour | 57 | 57 | 100% | 149 | 15 | 200 | 23 |
| Greens | 56 | 57 | 98% | 125 | 11 | 186 | 20 |
| ACT | 53 | 57 | 93% | 55 | 6 | 187 | 29 |
| NZ First | 48 | 57 | 84% | 47 | 9 | 147 | 20 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 22 | 57 | 39% | 11 | 0 | 60 | 1 |
| Opportunity | 13 | 57 | 23% | 15 | 3 | 30 | 7 |

## Education and childcare

| Party | Recommended answers | Collected answers | Share | Positive claims | Mixed claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 55 | 55 | 100% | 78 | 14 | 233 | 17 |
| Labour | 54 | 55 | 98% | 113 | 10 | 201 | 12 |
| Greens | 54 | 55 | 98% | 122 | 9 | 179 | 7 |
| ACT | 49 | 55 | 89% | 54 | 7 | 176 | 15 |
| NZ First | 34 | 55 | 62% | 30 | 2 | 93 | 8 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 33 | 55 | 60% | 41 | 2 | 85 | 4 |
| Opportunity | 13 | 55 | 24% | 5 | 2 | 32 | 4 |

## Tax and public spending

| Party | Recommended answers | Collected answers | Share | Positive claims | Mixed claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 50 | 55 | 91% | 46 | 23 | 162 | 31 |
| Labour | 48 | 55 | 87% | 79 | 26 | 166 | 20 |
| Greens | 46 | 55 | 84% | 68 | 13 | 156 | 15 |
| ACT | 39 | 55 | 71% | 22 | 17 | 115 | 22 |
| NZ First | 35 | 55 | 64% | 37 | 4 | 69 | 12 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 20 | 55 | 36% | 23 | 5 | 56 | 4 |
| Opportunity | 23 | 55 | 42% | 19 | 8 | 43 | 8 |

## Democratic institutions and rights

| Party | Recommended answers | Collected answers | Share | Positive claims | Mixed claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 19 | 50 | 38% | 5 | 1 | 79 | 5 |
| Labour | 16 | 50 | 32% | 13 | 3 | 65 | 1 |
| Greens | 16 | 50 | 32% | 18 | 1 | 71 | 0 |
| ACT | 14 | 50 | 28% | 3 | 2 | 38 | 4 |
| NZ First | 11 | 50 | 22% | 3 | 2 | 33 | 3 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 10 | 50 | 20% | 10 | 1 | 26 | 1 |
| Opportunity | 9 | 50 | 18% | 8 | 1 | 23 | 0 |

## Fuel and energy

| Party | Recommended answers | Collected answers | Share | Positive claims | Mixed claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 34 | 34 | 100% | 47 | 13 | 171 | 8 |
| Labour | 34 | 34 | 100% | 59 | 18 | 136 | 17 |
| Greens | 34 | 34 | 100% | 50 | 20 | 118 | 14 |
| ACT | 31 | 34 | 91% | 32 | 2 | 125 | 9 |
| NZ First | 29 | 34 | 85% | 34 | 3 | 105 | 7 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 9 | 34 | 26% | 5 | 2 | 20 | 2 |
| Opportunity | 8 | 34 | 24% | 6 | 2 | 16 | 2 |

## Economy

| Party | Recommended answers | Collected answers | Share | Positive claims | Mixed claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 31 | 31 | 100% | 54 | 8 | 144 | 9 |
| Labour | 31 | 31 | 100% | 54 | 12 | 140 | 6 |
| Greens | 30 | 31 | 97% | 26 | 3 | 115 | 5 |
| ACT | 28 | 31 | 90% | 39 | 8 | 109 | 6 |
| NZ First | 28 | 31 | 90% | 31 | 4 | 107 | 7 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 13 | 31 | 42% | 6 | 0 | 29 | 1 |
| Opportunity | 8 | 31 | 26% | 3 | 0 | 14 | 1 |

## Poverty and welfare

| Party | Recommended answers | Collected answers | Share | Positive claims | Mixed claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 31 | 31 | 100% | 26 | 10 | 126 | 23 |
| Labour | 31 | 31 | 100% | 73 | 7 | 90 | 6 |
| Greens | 30 | 31 | 97% | 87 | 1 | 87 | 2 |
| ACT | 27 | 31 | 87% | 7 | 12 | 97 | 8 |
| NZ First | 21 | 31 | 68% | 7 | 5 | 69 | 7 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 20 | 31 | 65% | 26 | 3 | 51 | 1 |
| Opportunity | 17 | 31 | 55% | 29 | 2 | 43 | 4 |

## Climate and disaster resilience

| Party | Recommended answers | Collected answers | Share | Positive claims | Mixed claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 20 | 20 | 100% | 9 | 8 | 108 | 17 |
| Labour | 20 | 20 | 100% | 15 | 4 | 94 | 5 |
| Greens | 20 | 20 | 100% | 16 | 3 | 109 | 4 |
| ACT | 19 | 20 | 95% | 3 | 3 | 96 | 8 |
| NZ First | 15 | 20 | 75% | 6 | 0 | 71 | 4 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 15 | 20 | 75% | 5 | 1 | 53 | 4 |
| Opportunity | 11 | 20 | 55% | 13 | 4 | 50 | 0 |

## Retirement and aged care

| Party | Recommended answers | Collected answers | Share | Positive claims | Mixed claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 18 | 19 | 95% | 16 | 3 | 79 | 1 |
| Labour | 18 | 19 | 95% | 26 | 4 | 68 | 0 |
| Greens | 17 | 19 | 89% | 29 | 1 | 49 | 0 |
| ACT | 16 | 19 | 84% | 11 | 3 | 59 | 2 |
| NZ First | 18 | 19 | 95% | 15 | 1 | 67 | 1 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 9 | 19 | 47% | 3 | 0 | 22 | 0 |
| Opportunity | 13 | 19 | 68% | 4 | 1 | 37 | 0 |

## Rural and agricultural policy

| Party | Recommended answers | Collected answers | Share | Positive claims | Mixed claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 18 | 18 | 100% | 35 | 2 | 79 | 7 |
| Labour | 18 | 18 | 100% | 22 | 4 | 79 | 6 |
| Greens | 18 | 18 | 100% | 8 | 7 | 76 | 8 |
| ACT | 18 | 18 | 100% | 23 | 4 | 70 | 9 |
| NZ First | 17 | 18 | 94% | 18 | 1 | 62 | 4 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 4 | 18 | 22% | 1 | 0 | 15 | 2 |
| Opportunity | 10 | 18 | 56% | 3 | 1 | 32 | 4 |

## Environment

| Party | Recommended answers | Collected answers | Share | Positive claims | Mixed claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 15 | 15 | 100% | 26 | 2 | 81 | 2 |
| Labour | 15 | 15 | 100% | 15 | 1 | 70 | 5 |
| Greens | 15 | 15 | 100% | 13 | 1 | 76 | 3 |
| ACT | 15 | 15 | 100% | 24 | 2 | 76 | 2 |
| NZ First | 12 | 15 | 80% | 8 | 1 | 62 | 3 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 6 | 15 | 40% | 5 | 0 | 39 | 0 |
| Opportunity | 5 | 15 | 33% | 4 | 0 | 22 | 0 |

## Te Tiriti and Māori–Crown relations

| Party | Recommended answers | Collected answers | Share | Positive claims | Mixed claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 14 | 15 | 93% | 2 | 2 | 76 | 1 |
| Labour | 14 | 15 | 93% | 3 | 0 | 80 | 1 |
| Greens | 14 | 15 | 93% | 2 | 0 | 82 | 0 |
| ACT | 14 | 15 | 93% | 3 | 0 | 89 | 2 |
| NZ First | 14 | 15 | 93% | 3 | 0 | 78 | 0 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 14 | 15 | 93% | 2 | 0 | 83 | 0 |
| Opportunity | 3 | 15 | 20% | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1 |

## Foreign affairs and defence

| Party | Recommended answers | Collected answers | Share | Positive claims | Mixed claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 14 | 14 | 100% | 24 | 1 | 109 | 0 |
| Labour | 14 | 14 | 100% | 17 | 0 | 111 | 2 |
| Greens | 14 | 14 | 100% | 14 | 1 | 96 | 0 |
| ACT | 14 | 14 | 100% | 17 | 0 | 96 | 1 |
| NZ First | 14 | 14 | 100% | 13 | 2 | 99 | 2 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 8 | 14 | 57% | 0 | 0 | 56 | 0 |
| Opportunity | 2 | 14 | 14% | 4 | 0 | 2 | 1 |

## Immigration

| Party | Recommended answers | Collected answers | Share | Positive claims | Mixed claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 14 | 14 | 100% | 19 | 3 | 66 | 3 |
| Labour | 14 | 14 | 100% | 13 | 6 | 68 | 6 |
| Greens | 13 | 14 | 93% | 19 | 4 | 48 | 1 |
| ACT | 14 | 14 | 100% | 4 | 7 | 66 | 12 |
| NZ First | 14 | 14 | 100% | 1 | 3 | 80 | 19 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 6 | 14 | 43% | 4 | 0 | 21 | 1 |
| Opportunity | 5 | 14 | 36% | 7 | 0 | 5 | 0 |

## Mental health and addiction

| Party | Recommended answers | Collected answers | Share | Positive claims | Mixed claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 10 | 11 | 91% | 14 | 1 | 25 | 4 |
| Labour | 10 | 11 | 91% | 28 | 2 | 14 | 2 |
| Greens | 10 | 11 | 91% | 22 | 0 | 23 | 0 |
| ACT | 8 | 11 | 73% | 1 | 1 | 19 | 2 |
| NZ First | 6 | 11 | 55% | 2 | 1 | 9 | 1 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 7 | 11 | 64% | 3 | 0 | 14 | 1 |
| Opportunity | 3 | 11 | 27% | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 |

## Crime and justice

| Party | Recommended answers | Collected answers | Share | Positive claims | Mixed claims | Neutral claims | Negative claims |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | 7 | 7 | 100% | 4 | 0 | 51 | 1 |
| Labour | 7 | 7 | 100% | 3 | 1 | 36 | 2 |
| Greens | 7 | 7 | 100% | 2 | 0 | 41 | 0 |
| ACT | 7 | 7 | 100% | 3 | 0 | 45 | 0 |
| NZ First | 6 | 7 | 86% | 3 | 1 | 40 | 0 |
| Te Pāti Māori | 4 | 7 | 57% | 0 | 0 | 27 | 0 |
| Opportunity | 0 | 7 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |

## None of the 31 answers told the voter who to vote for

Eight questions asked for a recommendation, a shortlist or a verdict on the best plan. No answer gave an unconditional instruction to vote for one party. Select a square to read the original answer.

| Question | Assistant | Declined to choose | Matched parties to priorities | Named a shortlist | Asked what matters | Chose a party |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| PF017 | ChatGPT | yes | yes | no | yes | no |
| PF017 | Gemini | no | yes | no | yes | no |
| PF017 | Google AI Mode | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| PF017 | AI Overviews | yes | yes | yes | yes | no |
| PF034 | ChatGPT | yes | yes | yes | yes | no |
| PF034 | Gemini | no | yes | no | yes | no |
| PF034 | Google AI Mode | no | yes | no | no | no |
| PF034 | AI Overviews | no | yes | yes | yes | no |
| PF044 | ChatGPT | no | no | no | yes | no |
| PF044 | Gemini | yes | no | no | yes | no |
| PF044 | Google AI Mode | yes | no | no | yes | no |
| PF044 | AI Overviews | no | yes | no | yes | no |
| PF056 | ChatGPT | yes | yes | no | yes | no |
| PF056 | Gemini | yes | yes | no | yes | no |
| PF056 | Google AI Mode | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| PF056 | AI Overviews | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| PF072 | ChatGPT | yes | yes | no | yes | no |
| PF072 | Gemini | no | yes | no | yes | no |
| PF072 | Google AI Mode | no | yes | no | yes | no |
| PF072 | AI Overviews | no | yes | yes | yes | no |
| PF089 | ChatGPT | yes | yes | no | yes | no |
| PF089 | Gemini | no | yes | no | no | no |
| PF089 | Google AI Mode | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| PF089 | AI Overviews | no | yes | no | yes | no |
| PF104 | ChatGPT | yes | no | no | yes | no |
| PF104 | Gemini | no | no | no | yes | no |
| PF104 | Google AI Mode | no | no | no | no | no |
| PF104 | AI Overviews | no | no | no | yes | no |
| PF142 | ChatGPT | yes | yes | no | yes | no |
| PF142 | Gemini | yes | no | no | yes | no |
| PF142 | Google AI Mode | yes | no | no | no | no |

## Locations

[Auckland](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/r01)

[Northland](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/r02)

[Tauranga](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/r03)

[Hawke’s Bay](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/r04)

[Taranaki](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/r05)

[Wellington](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/r06)

[Canterbury](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/r07)

[Dunedin](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/r08)

[Queenstown Lakes](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/r09)

## Voter profiles

[First-time voter](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/s01): Apprentice voting for the first time

[Student renter](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/s02): Student renting and working part time

[Variable-hours renter](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/s03): Renter with variable work hours

[First-home savers](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/s04): Couple saving for a first home

[Mortgage-stretched household](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/s05): Working household under mortgage pressure

[Sole parent](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/s06): Sole parent balancing preschool care and paid work

[Learning-support parent](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/s07): Parent seeking learning support at school

[Recently redundant](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/s08): Worker recently made redundant

[Long-term illness](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/s09): Person unable to work because of long-term illness

[Café owner](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/s10): Café owner with a small team

[Small exporter](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/s11): Small exporter planning investment

[Retired homeowner](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/s12): Retired homeowner on NZ Super

[Renting retiree](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/s13): Retiree still renting

[Independent living](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/s14): Disabled adult seeking independent living

[Unpaid carer](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/s15): Unpaid carer juggling work and care

[Farming household](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/s16): Farming household weighing costs and environmental rules

[Rural, not farming](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/s17): Rural resident outside farming

[Overseas voter](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/s18): Eligible overseas voter considering returning

[Māori whānau](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/s19): Māori whānau balancing costs, services and Treaty questions

[Pacific household](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/s20): Pacific household with children and older relatives

[New citizen](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/s21): Migrant who has recently become a citizen

[Plain explanations](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/s22): Voter who wants plain explanations

[Flood-exposed homeowner](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/voters/s23): Homeowner exposed to flooding and insurance pressure

## Sources

## ChatGPT

| Website | Answers with this website recorded |
| --- | --- |
| labour.org.nz | 139 |
| national.org.nz | 124 |
| greens.org.nz | 122 |
| reuters.com | 114 |
| policy.nz | 102 |
| nzfirst.nz | 85 |
| act.org.nz | 84 |
| beehive.govt.nz | 30 |
| elections.nz | 23 |
| maoriparty.org.nz | 21 |

## Gemini

| Website | Answers with this website recorded |
| --- | --- |
| whichparty.nz | 47 |
| kiwicoaches.co.nz | 21 |
| nzvotecheck.com | 21 |
| realestate.co.nz | 21 |
| policy.nz | 20 |
| national.org.nz | 17 |
| labour.org.nz | 14 |
| thespinoff.co.nz | 13 |
| waateanews.com | 13 |
| buildara.nz | 12 |

## Google AI Mode

| Website | Answers with this website recorded |
| --- | --- |
| rnz.co.nz | 100 |
| policy.nz | 59 |
| nzherald.co.nz | 55 |
| labour.org.nz | 47 |
| facebook.com | 33 |
| thespinoff.co.nz | 25 |
| elections.nz | 21 |
| greens.org.nz | 21 |
| stories.theconversation.com | 21 |
| en.wikipedia.org | 17 |

## AI Overviews

| Website | Answers with this website recorded |
| --- | --- |
| rnz.co.nz | 102 |
| facebook.com | 78 |
| nzherald.co.nz | 78 |
| labour.org.nz | 60 |
| policy.nz | 53 |
| youtube.com | 47 |
| greens.org.nz | 43 |
| national.org.nz | 42 |
| stories.theconversation.com | 34 |
| whichparty.nz | 28 |

## Accuracy

### FamilyBoost current rate · ChatGPT

Verdict: correct.

What the answer said: In 2025, the Government increased the claim rate from 25% to 40% of eligible fees, with a maximum claim of $120 a week and a household income limit just under $230,000.

What the primary source says: For quarters after July 2025 the maximum rate is 40%, capped at $1,560 per quarter, with quarterly income abatement. A weekly equivalent is not the payment frequency.

[Inland Revenue — FamilyBoost claim amounts](https://www.ird.govt.nz/familyboost/how-much-familyboost-can-you-claim) · checked 21 October 2026.

[Original captured answers](https://nzbrands.ai/data/nz-election-2026/editions/4/answers/e08483a1-ce6a-46d5-9f91-77b5c4d2b803.json)

### FamilyBoost replacement rate · AI Overviews

Verdict: correct.

What the answer said: FamilyBoost Rebate: National’s core childcare policy remains the FamilyBoost childcare rebate, which lets you claim back 40% of your out-of-pocket early childhood education (ECE) fees (capped quarterly).

What the primary source says: For quarters after July 2025 the maximum rate is 40%, capped at $1,560 per quarter, with quarterly income abatement. A weekly equivalent is not the payment frequency.

[Inland Revenue — FamilyBoost claim amounts](https://www.ird.govt.nz/familyboost/how-much-familyboost-can-you-claim) · checked 21 October 2026.

[Original captured answers](https://nzbrands.ai/data/nz-election-2026/editions/4/answers/e08483a1-ce6a-46d5-9f91-77b5c4d2b803.json)

### Different return methods have different deadlines · Gemini

Verdict: unclear.

What the answer said: 7 November 2026 (7:00 pm NZ time): Election Day and the hard deadline for your completed voting papers to be received.

What the primary source says: Uploads close at 7pm NZ time on 7 November. Overseas physical receipt is by 4pm local time on 6 November, with some posts closing earlier. Enrolment closes on 25 October.

[MFAT — 2026 General Election](https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/media-and-resources/2026-new-zealand-general-election) · 2026-09-25 · checked 21 October 2026.

[Original captured answers](https://nzbrands.ai/data/nz-election-2026/editions/4/answers/384fe79c-8086-4f21-a700-d5d28ca29d3c.json)

### Party lists are public · Gemini

Verdict: correct.

What the answer said: Any remaining seats are filled using a prioritized "party list" that parties publish before the election.

What the primary source says: The Commission publicly released candidate and party lists before collection, for 17 registered parties seeking the party vote.

[Electoral Commission — candidate and party lists released](https://elections.nz/media-and-news/2026/candidate-and-party-lists-released) · 2026-10-09 · checked 21 October 2026.

[Original captured answers](https://nzbrands.ai/data/nz-election-2026/editions/4/answers/64751c57-f3c4-4623-8d1b-80bf9a74deb1.json)

### Time-away exception for overseas service groups · Gemini

Verdict: wrong.

What the answer said: As an eligible New Zealand citizen living overseas, your right to vote remains intact (provided you have been in New Zealand within the last three years, or six years if you are a public servant or serving member of the Armed Forces).

What the primary source says: The ordinary presence windows are three years for citizens and twelve months for residents for electoral purposes. Qualifying overseas public servants, diplomats, trade representatives, NZDF members and their families are not subject to a time-away limit. The page specifically directs first-time Māori-descent enrollees to their roll choice.

[Electoral Commission — enrol from overseas](https://vote.nz/enrolling/get-ready-to-enrol/enrol-from-overseas) · checked 21 October 2026.

[Original captured answers](https://nzbrands.ai/data/nz-election-2026/editions/4/answers/baafb988-3900-4696-ad22-4cb573959b21.json)

### Overseas enrolment is not general-roll-only · Gemini

Verdict: wrong.

What the answer said: As an overseas voter, you vote in a general electorate based on where you last lived in New Zealand.

What the primary source says: The ordinary presence windows are three years for citizens and twelve months for residents for electoral purposes. Qualifying overseas public servants, diplomats, trade representatives, NZDF members and their families are not subject to a time-away limit. The page specifically directs first-time Māori-descent enrollees to their roll choice.

[Electoral Commission — enrol from overseas](https://vote.nz/enrolling/get-ready-to-enrol/enrol-from-overseas) · checked 21 October 2026.

[Original captured answers](https://nzbrands.ai/data/nz-election-2026/editions/4/answers/baafb988-3900-4696-ad22-4cb573959b21.json)

### Meaning of tino rangatiratanga · Google AI Mode

Verdict: wrong.

What the answer said: Te Pāti Māori (Mino / Independent Indigenous Rights): Champions tino rangatiratanga (Moorish self-determination), stronger recognition of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, addressing socio-economic inequalities for Māori, and systemic wealth redistribution.

What the primary source says: The term concerns Māori authority, chieftainship and self-government in the context of Te Tiriti. It does not mean Moorish self-determination; its constitutional interpretation is debated.

[Te Ara — Kāwanatanga and tino rangatiratanga](https://teara.govt.nz/en/kawanatanga-maori-engagement-with-the-state/print) · checked 21 October 2026.

[Original captured answers](https://nzbrands.ai/data/nz-election-2026/editions/4/answers/59e70e1e-2d99-444a-affc-d4bb386bb127.json)

### Outpatient building treats patients · Gemini

Verdict: correct.

What the answer said: Status: Open and operational.

What the primary source says: Health NZ reports outpatient clinical opening on 12 October. Patients are instructed to follow appointment communications. Evidence available through the primary publisher search-index extract; direct page retrieval returned 403.

[Health NZ — first patients welcomed to the outpatient building](https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/news-and-updates/first-patients-welcomed-to-new-dunedin-hospital-outpatient-building) · 2026-10-13 · checked 21 October 2026.

[Original captured answers](https://nzbrands.ai/data/nz-election-2026/editions/4/answers/1d93d228-85e3-47c2-8391-1fc8e7fef3a8.json)

### Fare-cap timing versus immediate savings · Gemini

Verdict: unclear.

What the answer said: If your primary concern is direct relief for your weekly budget, left-leaning parties (Labour's $20 weekly cap or the Greens' deep fare reductions) offer immediate, direct savings on your Henderson-to-city commute.

What the primary source says: Labour proposes weekly fare caps of $20 in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and $10 elsewhere from 1 July 2027 under a Labour government. The pledge is not a current fare entitlement.

[Labour — public transport fare-cap announcement](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/release-labour-to-deliver-unlimited-public-transport-for-20-max-a-week/) · checked 21 October 2026.

[Original captured answers](https://nzbrands.ai/data/nz-election-2026/editions/4/answers/7e004c61-c4d7-4745-9870-daa59d8c3ba1.json)

### Compulsory placement payment stacks with student support · Gemini

Verdict: correct.

What the answer said: Crucially, this would be paid on top of existing student allowances or student loan living-cost supports rather than replacing them.

What the primary source says: The party announcement proposes $380 per week during qualifying compulsory placements, in addition to existing loan or allowance support. It covers specified professional training, not all students throughout their courses.

[Greens — paid professional placements](https://www.greens.org.nz/greens_announce_paid_placements_for_nurses_teachers_and_social_workers) · 2026-10-16 · checked 21 October 2026.

[Original captured answers](https://nzbrands.ai/data/nz-election-2026/editions/4/answers/62c87be8-d98e-4444-b59c-377a439af969.json)

### Current training and starting-out wage rate · Gemini

Verdict: correct.

What the answer said: They have campaigned on scrapping the lower training and starting-out minimum wages (which sit at $19.16 per hour, compared to the $23.95 adult minimum wage), requiring all apprentices and entry-level workers to be paid the full minimum wage.

What the primary source says: The adult minimum becomes $23.95 and qualifying training/starting-out minimum $19.16 per hour from 1 April 2026. The lower rate applies only where legal criteria are met.

[MBIE — minimum wage set for 2026](https://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/news/minimum-wage-set-for-2026) · checked 21 October 2026.

[Original captured answers](https://nzbrands.ai/data/nz-election-2026/editions/4/answers/23b6b3b2-a56e-450a-b561-2cf3a0e68edd.json)

### Election Access Fund targets candidates · Gemini

Verdict: correct.

What the answer said: You can also access resources like the Election Access Fund, which assists disabled candidates, and review the Electoral Commission’s Access 2026 plan for voting accessibility information.*

What the primary source says: The fund supports disabled people seeking selection or standing as candidates. It is not a general grant for disabled voters.

[Electoral Commission — Election Access Fund](https://elections.nz/getting-involved/election-access-fund) · checked 21 October 2026.

[Original captured answers](https://nzbrands.ai/data/nz-election-2026/editions/4/answers/7913498f-6e14-471c-afee-d9a85bc6a6ae.json)

### Kiwi Kids Grant duration and eligibility · AI Overviews

Verdict: unclear.

What the answer said: Kiwi Kids Grant: They have also floated a $5,000 birth grant for new parents to offset the initial steep costs of equipment and care.

What the primary source says: The proposed grant is $5,000 per year for the first three years of each of the first three children, with at least one citizen parent, paid monthly with a first-child first-year lump-sum option.

[NZ First — Kiwi Kids Grant announcement](https://www.nzfirst.nz/nzfirst_announces_policy_to_encourage_kiwis_to_have_more_kids) · 2026-08-02 · checked 21 October 2026.

[Original captured answers](https://nzbrands.ai/data/nz-election-2026/editions/4/answers/e08483a1-ce6a-46d5-9f91-77b5c4d2b803.json)

## Method and evidence

[Read the method](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/method)

[Explore the evidence](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4/evidence)

[How we stay independent](https://nzbrands.ai/about/independence)