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