We all know what it’s like when a teen is stuck in a mood – and let’s be honest, we get stuck too. Teenage emotions can feel intense and unpredictable. That’s because the teenage brain is wired to feel higher highs and lower lows. They’re not being dramatic – their emotional volume really is turned ...
If you’re a caregiver or working with rangitahi in Wānaka, attending a Mental Health First Aid Course is a must! OUT & About Wānaka, in partnership with Path Wānaka | Ara Ki Wānaka and Community Link, are proud to fund and support this two-day Youth Mental Health First Aid course as part of the 2025 Wānaka Pride Week. Hosted by Path ...
Ever notice how your teen zeroes in on the one thing that went wrong, even when lots went right? Author: Kim Tay, Director – The Wellbeing Works It’s not just teenage angst – it’s a survival instinct built into all of us. Our brains are wired to focus more on what’s wrong than what’s ...
New Zealand’s Progress Toward a Smokefree Future New Zealand is making incredible progress toward its Smokefree 2025 goal. A recent government report shows just how much has changed, with smoking rates dropping significantly over the past 12 years. Since 2011/12, daily smoking rates have fallen nearly 60%, from 16.4% to just 6.9% in 2023/24. That ...
Key messages & helpful tips for caregivers It might look like harmless steam—but it’s not. Many teens think vaping is just flavoured mist, but most vapes contain nicotine—a highly addictive substance that can alter mood, focus, and brain development. Many young people don’t realise how hooked they are until they try to stop… and ...
Where to get help after school hours If it is an emergency and you, or someone you know, is at immediate risk call 111 – select police – if physical injury has occurred – select Ambulance Otago Counselling & Mental Health Services pdf Crisis mental health care, Freephone 0800 920 092, (24 hours, 7 days ...
If you’re a caregiver / parent, or working with rangitahi in Wānaka, attending this Cyber-Safety Presentation is a must! Path Wānaka Ara Ki Wānaka in collaboration with Community Links, Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College, QLDC, and Kahu Youth Trust is proud to host this hard-hitting, eye-opening and often hilarious In-person “Parent Cyber Safety Evening” ...
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 ...
Navigating the hard conversations around supplying alcohol, and the effects it has on your teens brain, check out the following: How to talk about drinking with your child. Download the Conversation Guide Values-Based Messaging Keep Their Future Bright: Teenagers and alcohol Parental Supply of Alcohol Message Guide on the Common Cause website. A recent article ...
If you’re a caregiver or working with rangitahi in Wānaka, attending a MHFA Course is a must! Path Wānaka Ara Ki Wānaka is proud to co-host this TWO-day community course in February (18th and 25th) 2025 at Lake Wānaka Centre. Facilitated by Karyn Munro Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa, & Te Hau Toka, this course is ...
Rob Cope of Our Kids Online talked to a room of Wānaka parents about the dangers of the internet in May this year. Over 100 families were represented from across our community with Rob helping to answer all the big questions. Rob’s message is clear. Parents play a critical role in protecting their children from ...
A recent article released by Te Pou (a national workforce centre for mental health, addiction and disability in New Zealand) emphasises the crucial role adults play in supporting the mental health of young people. Karyn Munro, a Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructor, highlights the growing mental health challenges among youth, exacerbated by factors ...
