Three local organisations have teamed up to bring neuroscience educator Nathan Wallis to Wānaka to talk about parenting teenagers.

Nathan, who has a background in child counselling, teaching and social service management will present ‘The Teen Brain’ on Monday October 14 at the Lake Wānaka Centre.

During adolescence, parts of the teenage brain “shut for renovations”, Nathan says.

He will present research-based tips and practices to help enhance parents, caregivers and teenagers cope with this “tricky time”.

‘The Teen Brain’ is being facilitated by Path Wānaka (formerly Wānaka Alcohol Group), Community LINK and Central Otago REAP after a handful of locals secured the date.

“The three organisations jumped in to make this happen as we are well aware of Nathan’s credentials,” Central Otago REAP education lead (schools and ECE) Julie Musumeci said.

She said the local community was very lucky to have someone of Nathan’s calibre and experience here for the second time.

Attendees can be “completely comfortable and confident” that any tips or advice they receive is the right, evidence-based information, Julie said.

Anyone with children or whānau in their pre-teen or teen years will benefit from the talk, she said.

Path Wānaka chair Randall Dobbs told the Wānaka App Nathan spoke in Wānaka in 2016, with a session on pre-school and primary children and another on teenagers.

“He was really good,” Randall said. “He was full of energy and gave great examples.”

“I would expect for this event he will put on a really good show.”

The talk is the first to take place since Path Wānaka’s refresh, which has included a new name, a bolstered operation, a revised mission statement and a status as an incorporated society and registered charity formalised.

Read more: Refresh for Path Wānaka

Randall said Path Wānaka aims to be a “central source” for the sort of high quality information on young people and parenting which people like Nathan provide.

‘The Teen Brain’ talk will take place on Monday October 14 at 7pm at the Lake Wānaka Centre.

Tickets are $30, plus booking fee. Buy tickets here.

PHOTO: Nathan Wallis