Photos above: Corey Hinde, a Wander Pendant and a Wander Watch
Press release 10th November
Corey helps keep WanderSearch moving
A few hours a month is all it takes for Corey Hinde to make a difference to families worried about a loved one going missing.
Corey is a Bay of Plenty volunteer with New Zealand Land Search and Rescue’s WanderWell initiative, helping deliver and collect WanderSearch devices for people at risk of going missing because of conditions such as dementia, autism or disability.
His contribution has earned him recognition as Volunteer of the Month for November, with the initiative also looking for more people across Katikati, Te Puke, Whakatāne, and the eastern Bay of Plenty to help meet growing demand.
WanderSearch devices are small radio-frequency transmitters worn as a pendant, watch or keyring. If someone wearing one goes missing, Police and trained Land Search and Rescue personnel can use specialist equipment to detect the signal and help locate them. The devices are provided free of charge and can offer considerable reassurance to families and carers.
WanderWell coordinator, Latifa Daud, says the initiative is part of New Zealand Land Search and Rescue and was established in 2025 to bring the service under a more consistent, nationwide system.
While the devices have been available for many years, the centralised WanderWell programme is helping coordinate their distribution and support across the country.
Its national database includes about 500 people, with around 30 clients in and around Tauranga. The organisation believes demand is considerably greater and will grow, particularly as New Zealand’s population ages.
Corey’s role is to receive and activate devices, contact clients or their families, arrange delivery and collect devices for replacement when their batteries reach the end of their six-month life.
He typically looks after three to five devices a month, often organising visits into one day. The work generally takes only a few hours each month.
“It’s not a difficult thing to do. It is rewarding,” Corey says.
He enjoys meeting the people receiving the devices and having a chance to talk with them. For some, particularly older people living in residential care, the visit is also a welcome opportunity for some company.
Latifa says the face-to-face contact is an important part of the service. Having local volunteers who know their area means families can deal with a friendly person in their community rather than relying entirely on a central office.
She also hears directly from families about the reassurance the devices provide.
“You can literally hear them over the phone, that sigh of relief,” she says.
For Corey, the technology’s value extends beyond the reassurance it gives families. Radio-frequency devices can be particularly useful in parts of New Zealand where mobile phone-based tracking may not work.
He says they can make a significant difference to the time and resources involved when someone goes missing. However, most volunteers distributing the devices are not part of the operational search and rescue teams.
Corey believes the need will continue to grow and encourages people who have a little time to spare to consider getting involved.
“If you can contribute in some way, you should, if it suits you at that time of your life and you’re capable,” he says.
WanderWell is seeking additional volunteers around the Bay of Plenty, particularly to provide better geographical coverage and ensure there are people available to share the work.
The roles involve delivering and collecting devices, arranging six-monthly replacements and helping clients and families understand the equipment. No previous experience or high fitness levels are required, with training provided.
Volunteers need to be trustworthy, accurate and flexible. Police vetting is required, and regional volunteers need a phone, a full New Zealand driver’s licence and their own transport. Travel costs are covered.
Tasks are arranged around volunteers’ availability and demand, with visits taking place during daytime and early evening hours. There is no overnight commitment, and the intention is to share responsibilities between several people to provide cover.
People interested in becoming a WanderWell volunteer can find out more and view current opportunities through Volunteering Services at volunteeringservices.org.nz
Wander Pendant - WanderSearch devices are small radio-frequency transmitters worn as a pendant, watch or keyring.
