restoring family links When conflict or disaster strikes, communications can often breakdown and families can become separated. As a result, people may not know where to turn to find or contact missing loved ones.

In these situations, New Zealand Red Cross works worldwide to restore and maintain contact between families by searching for missing relatives and exchanging messages.  In times of disaster internationally we have a National Inquiry Centre team of volunteers, based in Wellington, that provides phone-based assistance.  We also provide support services to refugees.

The New Zealand Red Cross international tracing and message services can help with:

• Delivering family news internationally using a Red Cross Message (RCM) when normal means of communication have broken down due to war or disaster.
• Tracing family members internationally when a family has been separated and has lost contact due to disaster or conflict.
• Upon request from the New Zealand Immigration Service, New Zealand Red Cross can process applications for ICRC travel documents that allow overseas family members to be reunited with their families in New Zealand.

Click on one of the following links to find out more about the services:

Tracing family members 

Red Cross message - international message service 

Travel documents - to get into New Zealand

Refugee support - for those arriving into New Zealand

National Inquiry Centre - activated in times of international disaster

further information

For further information about the Restoring Family Links service or if Red Cross can help with your specific needs, please contact us.