This is Path
We help Wānaka families navigate
the teen years, together.
We connect parents, whānau and caregivers to the tools, knowledge and skills required to support our young people better.
The path to success for young people is never a straight line. We acknowledge the different pressures our young people face – globally and specifically from within our community (Wānaka).
These are often the same adult-size problems faced by other generations, yet influenced greatly by technology, access to materials and information, and compounded by the unique culture of Wānaka itself.
Each young person will walk their path. Our role is to prepare parents, whānau, and caregivers from our community to walk beside them.
Our mission
We connect parents, whānau and caregivers (our community) to the tools, knowledge and skills necessary to support our young people through their wildhood (teenage years).
Our vision
Wānaka will be known nationally as a community that provides a safe environment in which our youth can find their path, with success.
Our purpose
Our purpose is simple – everything is in service of Wānaka youth.
- We will be a conduit for the voice and experience of our youth
- We will advocate for the creation of a safer community (environment) for our youth
- We will create spaces – whether virtual or physical – for families to collect, share and better navigate wildhood alongside their youth
- We will be a single source of truth for youth-related services, insights and tools, relevant to our community.
- We will take an evidence-based approach both from agencies within our geography and looking further afield to supplement our knowledge.
The history of Path Wānaka
(Ara ki Wānaka)
Path Wānaka is the evolution of a group previously known as The Wanaka Alcohol Group (‘The Group”).
The Group was created in 2019 to support the Wānaka community regarding the sale, use and licencing of alcohol, to help reduce harm and improve knowledge about how our teens are using alcohol.
As our community grew so too did the issues facing young people. The Group re-branded to Path Wānaka (Ara ki Wānaka) in 2023 to recognise the changing remit and increased scope of tools, knowledge and resources required by parents, whānau and caregivers of youth in our community.
Today Path is an organisation committed to helping families better navigate when and how to get involved in the adult-sized problems faced by their youth. A place to find the right tools and knowledge (including our annual Youth Survey), to connect with other caregivers, specialist agencies and experts.
Frequently asked questions
How does Path Wānaka help the community?
We engage the wider community to raise awareness about youth issues through our annual activity plan, collaborate with organisations, provide resources and support to parents, caregivers and extended whānau, and promote positive responses to youth challenges. We also conduct biennial surveys to understand and address the needs of young people and their families. You can find the results of the most recent 2023 Youth Voice survey.
How can I or my family get involved with Path Wānaka?
You can participate in events, access resources and research, subscribe to our newsletters, and engage with us on Facebook. We also encourage you and your families to share your stories and experiences to help us better understand and address youth issues.
What resources does Path Wānaka offer?
We provide information on local services and facilities for youth and their families, educational materials on youth issues, and opportunities for community engagement. We also share evidence-based research and facts to inform and support families.
What is the impact of Path Wānaka's work?
Our work aims to create a supportive community environment for young people, their parents/caregivers and family, reduce harmful behaviours, and improve overall youth well-being. We measure our impact through surveys and community feedback.
How can I stay updated with Path Wānaka's activities?
You can stay updated by heading to our What’s On page, and subscribing to our newsletter or following us on Facebook.