Āwhina is a group of three early learning centres in Havelock North. Āwhina Pēpi, on Te Aute Road, cares for infants and toddlers up to three years old. Āwhina Te Mata, on Te Mata Road above the vineyards of Te Mata, is the newest centre. It has separate spaces for under and over twos, and is guided by Te Whāriki and inspired by aspects of Steiner philosophy. Its address is 37 Duart Road.
The centres aim for calm, home-like spaces with natural materials, open-ended resources and steady daily routines. At Te Mata, children have real grass, flower and vegetable gardens, a bike track, a bark area, a chicken coop and a sandpit, overlooking a nature backdrop. The team works in close partnership with whānau. Our pick in Havelock North for early learning in a nature-rich setting.