Local parents will have the opportunity to meet with members of Path Wānaka next week, including Wānaka police and Te Kura o Tititea Mt Aspiring College (MAC), to discuss the challenges Wānaka’s young people face.

Path Wānaka (formerly Wānaka Alcohol Group) has organised a panel discussion following an event last year where attendees expressed a desire for more discussion and information about the “adult sized problems” facing young people in the Upper Clutha.

Path Wānaka chair Niamh Shaw told the Wānaka App the goal of the event is to come up with “community led solutions” to these problems, which include vaping, social media, peer pressure and mental health.

“We’re providing dialogue with the member agencies,” she said. 

“It’s up to all of us to see how we can make sure we as a parenting community are equipped with good information and the tools to support our youth.”

The panel will address pre-submitted questions from members of the community, and will be preceded by a brief workshop.

Read more: Wānaka young people facing ‘adult sized problems’

Since last year’s event, the Upper Clutha Youth Voice survey results have provided more useful information to guide people’s questions and discussion. 

“It’s really really interesting looking at what our kids are reporting,” Niamh said. 

“One shift from the previous survey is an increased concern around vaping.”

Read more: Harmful behaviour by young people a concern

The panellists at the event, which is called ‘Paths through Wildhood’, will include Wānaka Police officer Phil Vink, MAC principal Nicola Jacobesen, a MAC guidance counsellor, counselling service Thrive (ADL), and members of Kahu Youth Trust. A representative from Te Whatu Ora and Kate Murray from Community Networks will also be there.

The event will take place at the Wānaka Community Hub on Tuesday November 7, from 7pm- 9pm.

People must register for the free event (at which snacks will be provided) here, and submit a teen-related concern or question they would like the panel of experts to speak to.

Path Wānaka (Ara ki Wānaka) aims to help the community understand potentially harmful substances and activities which affect young people’s lives and whānau through education, research, advocacy, collaborative dialogue and supporting positive initiatives.