Kia ora koutou,

We invite parents and caregivers to our ‘Parenting Adolescents in Queenstown’ evening from 7.00 - 8.00pm on Thursday 8th September in the WHS Theatre. There will be a wide range of topics covered but it will be most relevant for parents and caregivers who are interested in some support and guidance with navigating the challenges presented by rangatahi, teenagers (especially from the ages of 13-16 years old) in  Queenstown. Our guest speakers are:

Maria Frewen | Registered Nurse| Public Health Nurse
Maria is one of our Registered Nurses who visits WHS on a weekly basis to offer health advice, assessments and referrals to our students. During her talk she will focus on what she is seeing and hearing from young people regarding vaping, alcohol and drugs and the health approach in regards to these topics. Maria has a strong mental health background and has been supporting rangatahi with understanding and implementing strategies to help their anxiety. She will also focus on the importance of good all round health, healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and sleep as we know that these topics are always important in our growing rangatahi. Maria will emphasise the importance of healthy choices and safety as well as positive consent for rangatahi in exploring their sexuality.

Senior Constable Wayne Park | Police Youth Aid Officer | Queenstown Police
Youth Aid Officers such as Wayne are specialists that work with children and young people to keep them safe and promote healthy life choices. During his talk, Wayne will focus on alcohol and drug trends our under 20 year olds face in Queenstown, and the challenges they may face in their first couple of years after they leave school. 

Dr Kathryn Smith | General Practitioner | Queenstown Medical Centre
Kathryn’s experience is focused on general practice, accident and medical, women’s and reproductive health, sexual health, sexual assault care, relationship work and sexual problems, mental health and self-worth, gender diversity care, LGBTIQ and family health.