Enabling Freedom, Ensuring Safety.

We strongly believe income should not be a barrier to receiving this vital support which is why we supply devices on a loan basis. Our Device Loan Bank is funded through philanthropic organisations and our delivery is through dedicated WanderSearch Canterbury volunteers.

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.

Violet-Christchurch

Volunteering with WanderSearch allows me to contribute in a meaningful way. I get to meet incredible people of all minds and ages, and I truly value the opportunity to connect with our clients and their families in a supportive, personal way

Kirsty-Selwyn Region

Kirsty joined us in 2025 and takes care of our clients in the Selwyn region.

Members

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.

Steve Davis

ICT Consultant

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.

Phil Simmonds

Phil has recently retired from the Police and has spent many years involved in Search and Rescue for Police and Land SAR.

Bill Dowle

LandSAR

Bill has a long involvement with Land SAR and was involved in the initial piloting stages of the technology we now use.

Dorian Crighton

Accountant

Dorian is a Business Advisory and Specialist Services director.

Ron Smith

Ron has been a member of Methven SAR for 30 years. Served 2 terms on the board of LandSAR NZ and is involved in local civil defence.