Most Popular
Pendant
On a lanyard or beaded chain, and can be personalised with beads or stickers.
Meet the WanderSearch 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 locate its unique signal to help narrow the search. No GPS, no phone, nothing to charge.
No GPS or cellphone needed
~6-month battery, no charging
Water-resistant
Made to be worn continuously
We us a small, teardrop-shaped device, designed to be worn continuously.
It emits a unique radio frequency signal: trained teams locate the signal using specialised locating equipment
They do not use the cellular network, so they operate in any place in New Zealand.
The devices do not require charging.
They have no moving parts and cannot be turned off by the user.
The battery is sealed within the device and lasts for 6 months.
The devices are shower proof so can be worn continuously.
Privacy is respected- A device is not monitored 24/7. A search is only initiated when the police are notified a person is missing.
Wear it your Way
One Device-Numerous Ways to wear it
The device needs to be worn to work, so it’s fitted in whichever way suits the person best.
Discreet
Wrist
A secure band for people who prefer nothing around the neck. Can be fixed so it isn’t easily removed.
Flexible
Keyring
Clipped to keys, a bag or a belt loop. Good for people who are out and about.
Secure
Shoe
Cable-tied or laced into a shoe: an option for people who are not comfortable wearing a device.
Out of sight
Devices can also be placed/sewn into pockets
Open PDF
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
Tell the police the person is wearing a WanderSearch device, and give the frequency number.
Police Notify the On call Officer
Police Communications will notify Police Search and Rescue ‘on call’ officer via Whisper text.
Trained Teams Search
The on call officer will initiate a search. Responders use locating equipment tuned to the device’s frequency to find the individual.
Easy Care
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
| The device | Issued to you |
|---|---|
| Battery refurbishment | $60(every 6 months) |
| WINZ Disability Allowance | Refurbishment 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.
WanderSearch 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 WanderSearch device. Police Communications will obtain details of the missing person and the device 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?
Standard city gadgets rely on phone networks or cellular signals. WanderSearch utilizes specialized Radio Frequency (RF) technology engineered for real emergencies. Signals pierce through heavy concrete walls, thick indoor building structures, and remote forest cover.
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 history of going missing etc.
This information is collected at the time of issuing the 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 goes missing 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 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 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.
Every device we issue is free. Your donation keeps it that way.
A Gift today protects a vulnerable Cantabrian.