The Safer Walking Initiative

Formed over the past decade in response to the number of people with cognitive impairment who go missing in Aotearoa NZ, some with very poor outcomes, the Safer Walking Partnership Framework was developed…

“to enhance connectivity and awareness of the ‘safer walking’ (known by SAR agencies as ‘wander’) sector in order to achieve greater alignment and coordination in the support and provision of services for people with cognitive impairment who potentially and actually get lost or go missing.”

Numerous organisations have an interest in enabling safer outcomes within their respective organisations and communities. These are made up of different disability organisations, older persons’ organisations, government organisations and industry bodies, and emergency, safety, rescue and prevention services.

New Zealand Land Search and Rescue oversees the initiative and facilitates stakeholder group activities. As a stakeholder group, all entities are collectively responsible for equipping their respective communities with proactive tools to gain independence, maintain personal freedoms and remain socially active.