Meet the WandaTrak device
A small radio-frequency beacon, designed to be worn continuously. If the person wearing it goes missing, NZ Police and Land Search & Rescue can track its unique signal to help narrow the search — no GPS, no phone, nothing to charge.
Made to be worn continuously
The WandaTrak is a small, teardrop-shaped device, designed to be worn continuously — with safeguards against being switched off by accident.
It emits a radio signal on its own unique frequency. There’s no screen, no app and no charging — trained teams locate the signal using specialised tracking equipment.
A device is not tracked 24/7. A search is only initiated once a carer calls 111 to report the individual as missing.
One device, four ways to wear it
The device needs to be worn to work, so it’s fitted in whichever way suits the person best.
Pendant
On a lanyard or beaded chain, and can be personalised with beads or stickers.
Wrist
A secure band for people who prefer nothing around the neck. Can be fixed so it isn’t easily removed.
Keyring
Clipped to keys, a bag or a belt loop — good for people who are out and about.
Shoe
Cable-tied or laced into a shoe — an option for people who won’t keep a worn device on.
Personalising the device
The device can be personalised to make it more appealing to wear.
- Colourful beads and name letters on the cord
- Stickers to make it appealing and familiar
- Cords tied so they're comfortable and can't be pulled over the head
We are endorsed by NZ Police, LandSAR and Dementia Canterbury.
One call starts a trained search
There’s no monitoring to watch and no app to open. If the person goes missing, trained responders use the device’s signal to help narrow the search area.
- Call 111 (Police) and say the person is wearing a WandaTrak device — give the frequency number if you can.
- Police Communications takes the details and texts the Land Search & Rescue officer.
- Trained teams use tracking equipment tuned to the device's unique frequency to help narrow the search area.
Day-to-day care
The device can be personalised to make it more appealing to wear.
- Wear it at all times — it only works when it's on
- Fine to shower with; remove before swimming or bathing
- Can be worn with a pacemaker — but not the pendant type (keep at least 15 cm away)
- Remove for an MRI or CT scan, and keep away from magnetic fields
- Never cut the pendant cord — the aerial runs through it
- Report loss, damage or a change of address straight away
Device and battery costs
(every 6 months)
$60Refurbishment cost may be claimed back
A volunteer contacts you when the six-monthly battery change is due — you don’t need to keep track of it.
WandaTrak is a tool that aids Police and Search & Rescue — it is not a 100% guarantee that a missing person will be located. Effectiveness can be affected by atmospheric conditions, nearby buildings, the device’s location, battery life, and the resources Police and LSAR have available at the time.
Good to know
If someone were to go missing, what is the process to find them?
When a person is missing CALL 111 (Police) and state the person is wearing a Wandatrak Device. Police Communications will obtain details of the missing person and Wandatrak frequency. Police Communications will notify Police Search and Rescue ‘on call’ officer via Whisper text. That ‘on call’ officer will initiate a search.
How do I get a device?
To find out more on getting a WanderSearch device please contact us at info@wandersearch.nz
Why radio frequency over GPS?
The majority of the GPS systems available on the market at this stage are bulkier than the devices we currently use and have a battery life from 3 – 15 days, which requires someone to take responsibility to ensure the device is always charged. With our radio frequency system, the battery lasts six months and doesn’t require anything from the user or their whanau.
What personal information does WanderSearch keep on file?
WanderSearch keeps only relevant information which may help in searching for a client i.e. their physical appearance; age; level of mobility; any favorite place they might try to go to; other medical conditions; previous wandering history etc.
This information is collected at the time of issuing the tracking device and is kept on both our database and the Police computer system which can be accessed 24/7 by Police staff when required.
Is the device monitored 24/7?
No. The only time that the devices are monitored is when an individual wanders and a search has been initiated. When an individual goes missing you need to call 111, ask for the Police and give the details and the circumstances to the Police Communication staff. You also need to inform them that they have a WanderSearch tracking device. The Police will look up the details on their computer system and the search process will begin at this point.
How much does the device cost?
Through fundraising we run a Device loan bank whereby devices are available on loan to any person that is at risk. Donations for this service are always gratefully received. Once devices are no longer needed they are returned to WanderSearch Canterbury to be reissued.
Battery refurbishments which are required every six months cost $60.00. This cost can be recovered through WINZ Disability Allowance.
My child wouldn't tolerate wearing a device, are there any other methods of attaching the device?
Some clients especially Autistic youth cannot tolerate wearing a device. In many cases this can be overcome by the way we attach the device or it can be utilised in another way so please contact us to discuss.
How much does WanderSearch pay to issue a device?
WanderSearch is a Charitable Trust and relies on donations, trusts & philanthropic grants and fundraising to operate in the community.
It costs the Trust $350 to issue a tracking device with an on-going yearly maintenance cost of $120. Therefore, all donations are most gratefully received. If you would like to donate please press the donate button at the top of the screen and follow the instructions.