When you dial 111 from a mobile phone, data that helps determine the location of your handset is automatically sent to the Emergency Caller Location Information system (ECLI). The system is overseen by Next Generation Critical Communications (NGCC), a cross-agency Government entity. This data is provided by your mobile network operator (for all device types) and by supported Android or iOS smartphones.
The Emergency Caller Location Information system turns that data into information about your handset's likely location. Authorised emergency service agencies (Fire and Emergency New Zealand, New Zealand Police, Hato Hone St John, and Wellington Free Ambulance) are allowed to use this location information to help verify where you are calling from, so they can respond to the emergency as quickly as possible.
The provision of this information is authorised by the Privacy Commissioner, via the Telecommunications Information Privacy Code 2020.
Find out more about the Emergency Caller Location Information system on NGCC’s website.