The Parent Whānau Support Group is returning for Term 1, 2026, with the first session starting on Tuesday, 24 February at the Community Hub. Also available on the 24th February are private one-to-one coaching sessions with Ali (fees apply – see below).
Parenting teens in today’s world can feel like a whole new job, and it’s easy to wonder if you’re doing it ‘right’. This supportive group offers a calm, judgement-free space to connect with other parents and caregivers, share experiences, and pick up practical tools you can use straight away at home. Led by professional parent coach Ali McCormick (20+ years’ experience), sessions focus on strengthening whānau relationships, setting healthy boundaries, managing big emotions (yours and theirs), and supporting young people to make safer, more independent choices.
At Path Wānaka | Ara ki Wānaka, we believe that parents and caregivers deserve a strong support network. That’s why we are continuing a FREE Group Coaching programme for Parents during term time—designed to be a welcoming, community-driven space to help you and your whānau thrive!
What parents are saying about Parent Whānau Coaching with Ali
“I love how the sessions allow parents to guide the content of the workshop”.
“I can be more confident in my parenting decisions and feel like I am doing better than I
thought I was”.
Term 1, 2026: Group Coaching
4x 90 minute sessions in Term 1, that are FREE for parents, with flexible scheduling to suit the individual groups. Private one-on-one sessions with Ali are also available (fees apply).
Groups will be a mix of FREE face-to-face and online coaching sessions each term designed to educate and empower parents seeking support, strategies, and community connection.
Term 1: Tuesday 24th February (in person @ The Community Hub), Thursday 5th March (online), Wednesday 18th March (online) and Tuesday 31st March (online).
Tuesday 24th February (in person @ The Community Hub)
Session 1: 7:30AM – 9:00AM – Pre-teens – Year 4-8
Session 2: 1:00PM – 2:30PM – Pre-teens – Year 4-8
Session 3: 5:30 – 7.00PM – Whānau (all ages)
Thursday 5th March (online via Zoom)
Session 1: 7:30AM – 9:00AM – Pre-teens – Year 4-8
Session 2: 1:00PM – 2:30PM – Pre-teens – Year 4-8
Session 3: 5:30 – 7.00PM – Whānau (all ages)
Wednesday 18th March (online via Zoom)
Session 1: 7:30AM – 9:00AM – Pre-teens – Year 4-8
Session 2: 1:00PM – 2:30PM – Pre-teens – Year 4-8
Session 3: 5:30 – 7.00PM – Whānau (all ages)
Tuesday 31st March (online via Zoom)
Session 1: 7:30AM – 9:00AM – Pre-teens – Year 4-8
Session 2: 1:00PM – 2:30PM – Pre-teens – Year 4-8
Session 3: 5:30 – 7.00PM – Whānau (all ages)
📌 Register for Term 1, 2026: [here]
What is it?
Each term we will bring together a small group of parents in a safe, supportive, and confidential space to explore solutions for modern parenting challenges. Led by Ali McCormick – Executive Coach | Leadership Educator, specialising in positive psychology, communication, and teaching. These sessions focus on creating actionable steps to strengthen family relationships and improve home life.
Why Come Along?
🥺 Feeling unprepared and overwhelmed by your teen’s challenges and change? You’re not alone!
🦺 Need a safe space? Share experiences, get support, and gain confidence.
☕ Looking for connection? Meet parents navigating the same parenting struggles and uncertainties.
🧰 Want practical tools? Learn strategies to support your teen’s growth and independence.
If any of these resonate with you, PATH Wānaka’s Whānau Support Group (Group Coaching for Caregivers) is here to help
What You Can Expect
A mix of FREE face-to-face and online coaching sessions each term designed to educate and empower parents seeking support, strategies, and community connection.
👥 Confident Parenting in a Supportive Space
Come along & move forward with confidence in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental group where parents can learn, share, and grow together.
💡 Future-Focused & Collaborative
This group isn’t about past struggles—it’s about practical solutions, tailored discussions, and shared genuine support from fellow parents.
🚀 Get support in Navigating Modern Parenting
✔️ Address challenges unique to 2026, from social media to peer influence.
✔️ Step into your role as the most influential figure in your child’s life.
✔️ Set boundaries, manage emotions, and have meaningful conversations.
If you’re a parent / caregiver in Wānaka, navigating ‘wildhood’ alongside your teen, attending our new FREE Whānau Support Group is for you!
This is not about advice-giving or problem-listing. It’s about:
✔️ Exploring solutions that work for you and your family
✔️ Gaining confidence in your parenting abilities
✔️ Collaborating with a coach and other parents
✔️ Strengthening your influence as a parent / caregiver
✔️ Learning how to step back, set boundaries, and communicate effectively
📌 Whānau Support Group 2026
✅ Learn about Ali’s experience and her mission for this group.
✅ Understand how coaching works—what it is (and what it isn’t).
✅ Discover why group coaching is an effective support structure for parents.
✅ Gain insight into how to get the most out of these sessions.
✅ Share your thoughts and help us shape the programme to suit your needs.
Meet Your Coach: Ali McCormick
Ali is a qualified speech-language therapist, teacher, positive psychology practitioner, and leadership coach. Ali has over 30 years, experience in supporting parents and young people’s every-day and complex needs. She brings a wealth of expertise, delivering client-centred coaching that focuses on real-world application.
Watch: A Zoom recording of an introduction to Group Coaching by Ali [HERE]
One-to-One Power Coaching with Ali – available 24th February:
Private sessions / individual bookings $65.00 Incl GST per 1/2 hour available during the following times at the Community Hub:
24th February – 9.00AM – 12.00NOON
24th February – 3.00PM – 5.00PM
To book your private session with Ali – contact Ali directly.
What parents are saying about One-to-one Power Coaching for Parents with Ali McCormick
“Attending the coaching with Ali has been such an enjoyable experience.
Ali breaks down our parenting issues in a way we understand and gives us solutions thatare easy to implement!”.
Parenting the Teen Years | The Wānaka App | A Caregivers Blog!
Read: ‘Why Coaching, Not Just Courses Is What Parents Really Need’ – Real Talk with Ali [HERE]
Read: ‘Recharging Your Parental Batteries’ [HERE].
Ali shares with us her blog on ‘Recharging Your Parental Batteries’ & the importance in finding the energy for the teen years.
Got a great idea for an event? Let us know!
We’re here to help bring the right people and experts to our community in support of our youth and their families. If you have an idea for a great topic or speaker, contact us at Path Wānaka | Ara ki Wānaka. We’ve got you!
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