Keeping Loved Ones Safe in Tairāwhiti

For families with a loved one living with dementia, autism, or other conditions that put them at risk of wandering, peace of mind is priceless.  

Gisborne Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR) provide exactly that through their Wander Search initiative, and thanks to a grant from Bob & Aileen Harris’s named fund, this vital service will continue to support vulnerable whānau in our community.  

“Each year, the Harris family help decide which causes to support from the named fund, honouring causes that reflect Bob & Aileen’s values. The grant to Wander Search is one example of the difference this fund is making. Including this year’s funding round, the Harris fund has provided 42 grants worth more than $238,000 to different groups over the years, a powerful demonstration of how a legacy can continue to touch lives long after the gift is made,” says Glenda Stokes, Sunrise CEO. 

Wander Search has operated locally since 2011, providing small devices such as a pendant, watch or keyring that can be worn 24/7. Waterproof and durable, they let people carry on daily life, even joining in activities like swimming. If someone goes missing, whānau call 111 and LandSAR can be deployed quickly to locate them. 

Wendy Notting, LandSAR spokesperson, says the initiative is a lifeline, with the number of people using Wander Search fluctuating, but at times has reached up to 50 in the region. 

“Wander Search is a safeguard. It helps protect vulnerable people and gives families peace of mind knowing that we can locate their loved ones faster and bring them home safely.”