Navigating Parenthood in 2025 presents new challenges, and none of us feel fully prepared. Between social media, peer influence, and evolving family dynamics, parenting young people today requires a whole new skill set. Introducing Path Wānaka’s New Parent | Whānau Support Group
At Path Wānaka | Ara ki Wānaka, we believe that parents and caregivers deserve a strong support network. That’s why we are launching 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 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.
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
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.
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.
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 2025, 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.
TERM 1: Introduction Session – Meet Ali
📅 Thursday 20th March
⏰ 7:00pm – 8:00pm (Zoom)
📌 Register for our first zoom session [here]
What is it?
A free Zoom introduction to Group Coaching with Ali McCormick.
What to Expect:
✅ 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.
TERM 2 – 4: Group Coaching
4x 90 minutes each in Term 2-4, with flexible scheduling to suit the individual groups
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 2: 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th May (10-11:30AM or 7.00 – 8:30PM / venue tbc)
Term 3: 17th, 24th, 31st July & 7th August (10-11:30AM or 7.00-8:30PM / venue tbc)
Term 4: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th November (10-11:30AM or 7.00-8:30PM / venue tbc)
📌 Whānau Support Group Overview 2025: [here]
📌 Express Your interest for the above dates: [here]
If you’re a parent / caregiver in Wānaka, navigating ‘wildhood’ alongside your teen, attending our new FREE Whānau Support Group is for you!
Got a great idea for a future event or programme? Let us know!
We’re here to help bring the right people and experts to our community in support of our youth. If you have an idea for a great topic or speaker, let the team at Path Wānaka | Ara ki Wānaka know.