Privacy Statement
How we collect, use and protect the personal information you share with WanderSearch Canterbury.
Last reviewed: 05 September 2026
WanderSearch Canterbury is a charitable trust that provides safety devices to people at risk of going missing. This statement explains what personal information we collect, why we collect it, how we look after it, and your rights over it.
What information we collect
When you or someone you care for is referred to WanderSearch, we collect the information we need to help NZ Police and Land Search & Rescue locate the person if they go missing. This can include:
- The person’s name (and any other name or nickname they’re known by), date of birth and ethnicity
- Contact details — address, phone and email
- A physical description — build, height, hair and eye colour, glasses, and any distinctive features
- Relevant medical conditions (such as dementia, autism, Down syndrome or brain injury), whether the person has a pacemaker, and any communication difficulties
- Information that helps a search — favourite places and walking routes, likely destinations, usual ways of getting around, walking ability, and any behaviours that could present a risk
- Details of the primary carer and a secondary contact
- Your consent for the person to wear a beacon that can be detected if they go missing, and for their photo to be used in a search and rescue emergency
Why we collect it
We collect personal information to inform NZ Police and Land Search and Rescue should the individual in your care go missing.
How we store it and who can access it
We keep your information safe by storing it on our database and only allow staff and responders to access this.
Sharing your information
If the person goes missing and a search begins, their information is shared with NZ Police and Land Search & Rescue so they can help locate them. A photo is only used in a search and rescue emergency where consent has been given.
Your rights
You have the right to ask for a copy of any personal information we hold about you, and to ask for it to be corrected if you think it is wrong. If you’d like to ask for a copy of your information, or to have it corrected, please contact us at info@wandersearch.nz, or 03 907 0072. These are your rights under the Privacy Act 2020.
Website forms
When you use a form on this website, we collect the details you provide so we can respond:
- Referral form — the information described above, so we can arrange a device.
- Contact form — your name, email and message, so we can reply.
- Newsletter — your email address, so we can send you updates. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Contact us
WanderSearch Canterbury
Email: info@wandersearch.nz
Phone: 03 907 0072
Post: PO Box 33539, Barrington, Christchurch 8244