The University of Otago is bound by the New Zealand Privacy Act (2020) restrictions on the disclosure of personal student information. They are unable to confirm if a person is a student at the University and no information can be shared. A student's details cannot be released without the permission of that student, except in very exceptional circumstances (usually in cases of emergency or law enforcement).
If you need to find a family member in an emergency, or a family member is concerned about the welfare of a student, the Proctor's Office may be able to assist on a case-by-case basis, but is also bound by privacy rules and regulations.
Further information
Privacy of student information
Policy on Access to, and use of, Personal Information