There is a difference between a missing person and a lost contact case - police do not deal with the latter. There are a number of reasons why people lose touch with each other, such as moving house or family conflict, and it is understandable that they seek to reconnect. However, if there is no indication of vulnerability or concern for safety then this is considered to be a tracing matter. Police do not provide a family tracing service, nor are they able to help with people who have lost contact with friends or family over time.
- The Salvation Army in New Zealand provides a tracing service for people born in a Bethany Hospital.
- The New Zealand Red Cross Restoring Family Links service helps family in New Zealand locate news of missing loved ones overseas where the separation was caused by armed conflict, disaster or migration.