Purpose
To enable vulnerable people at risk of going missing to live safer lives with greater independence.
About WanderSearch Canterbury
Bringing loved ones home
WanderSearch Canterbury is a registered charitable trust dedicated to protecting children, youth and adults who are at risk of going missing or becoming lost.
600+
Cantabrians supported to date
100+
Community & aged-care partners
Free
Every device, issued on a loan basis
An Inclusive service
We provide trusted radio-frequency devices that can be worn seamlessly, so a loved one can maintain their independence safely within the community.
WanderSearch works with all ages and a wide range of conditions:
Neurodivergence peace of mind for whānau and carers, and safety for neurodivergent individuals.
Dementia supporting older people to safely take part in the community and keep their independence
Brain injury & intellectual disability protecting individuals with brain injuries or developmental conditions
Our purpose, mission & vision
Mission
We provide trusted radio frequency technology, support and expertise to help protect people at risk of going missing and support their safe participation in the community.
Vision
A Canterbury where every person at risk of going missing, and every whānau who cares for them, has access to technology and support that enables greater independence and helps bring loved ones home safely.
Values
Trusted technology
Community Partnership
Safety
Inclusion
The Device Loan Bank
Our devices are issued free of charge to Canterbury families. There is a $60 battery refurbishment fee every six months, which can be covered through the WINZ Disability Allowance if you are entitled to it. We strongly believe financial hardship should never stand in the way of a loved one’s safety.
We run a lean, volunteer-led trust. Our Device Loan Bank is funded through community funders, and every device is delivered and serviced by our local volunteers. Each device is issued with a loan agreement, remains the property of the Trust, and is returned for re-issuing when it’s no longer needed.
Why it matters
Supports people to keep living safely alongside family and take part in the communities they love
Peace of mind for the person and their family, whānau and carers, reducing carer stress
People wearing a device are found much faster than those without one
Reduces the Police time and resources needed if a search occurs
Meet our volunteers
WanderSearch Canterbury is run with a part-time manager working alongside our small team of dedicated volunteers.
Mel
Mid Canterbury
Mel has volunteered for WanderSearch Canterbury since 2020. “I really enjoy helping others within my local community, and feel extremely privileged to be a volunteer for such an amazingly worthwhile charity”
Debbie
Waimate
Debbie has been involved with SAR for 12 years and finds her role helping people stay safe in the community very rewarding.
Teressa
South Canterbury
Teressa began volunteering for WanderSearch in the South Canterbury area in October 2020. Teressa had prior experience with the WanderSearch system over 10 years ago when it was introduced to Timaru after a missing person incident. Teressa has a fulltime job working as a paramedic in Timaru.
Christine
Christchurch
Christine joined WanderSearch Canterbury Trust as a volunteer in 2019. Christine has extensive experience in the Disability Sector.
Dick
South Canterbury
Dick, a retired GP, mountaineer and expert in High Altitude medicine joined WanderSearch in the South Canterbury area in late 2020.
Stew
North Canterbury
Stew joined WanderSearch Canterbury Trust as a volunteer in 2019. Stew has worked in many volunteer roles over the years including as Pastor of his church.
Laura
Christchurch
“I chose to volunteer with wandersearch as it is an organisation that saves lives while maintaining security and dignity. My dad has early onset Alzheimers and it has allowed him to continue going on walks and maintain his independence while giving our family peace of mind.”
Suzanne
Christchurch
"I recently gave up full-time work to concentrate on volunteering. While researching the options available, I came across a post from Emma on our West Melton FB page. I hadn't heard of WanderSearch before, but after reading more, I knew I wanted to help this very worthwhile charity. I love getting out and meeting people, and the flexibility of the role is an added bonus.
Karen
Christchurch
“I wanted to be involved in making these devices accessible to those who need them, because I truly believe they can make a difference between life and death in certain situations, and provide reassurance to both the person and their caregivers.”
Janene
Christchurch
I am retired now and wish to give something back to the community. I have previously worked in the disability sector, in aged care and as a social worker and I found these areas very rewarding.
Meet our trustees
WanderSearch Canterbury Charitable Trust has a board of voluntary Trustees which includes representatives from Land Search & Rescue.
Don Geddes
Chairperson
Don works for Fire and Emergency NZ as a Senior Advisor in Risk Reduction and has been involved with Land SAR since 1976.
Phil Simmonds
Phil has recently retired from the Police and has spent many years involved in Search and Rescue for Police and Land SAR.
Dorian Crighton
Dorian is a Business Advisory and Specialist Services director.
Steve Davis
Steve became involved with WanderSearch after many years involvement with SAR. Steve provides training for volunteer responders and police as well as being a responder himself.
Ron Smith
Ron has been a member of Methven SAR for 30 years. He has served two terms on the board of LandSAR NZ and is involved in local civil defence.
Sinclair Hughes
“I live on our sheep farm at Springston and also have a business that develops and supports software systems for medical specialists and private surgical hospitals in New Zealand and Australia. I am a member of the Ellesmere Lions which supports community projects in the Selwyn district.”
Recommended by
View Our Partners and Funders
Older Persons Health
Every device we issue is free. Your donation keeps it that way.
A Gift today protects a vulnerable Cantabrian.