He Waka Eke Noa Early Learning Centre is a small early learning centre at 60 Riverside Drive in Riverside, Whangārei. It sits at the base of Parihaka, beside the Hātea River. Its distinctive feature is the daily routine in the centre's own māra, where children and staff water plants and harvest kai each morning. Meals are made on site, and each day opens and closes with karakia.
The centre takes up to 35 children a day and runs a full-year model, with its Christmas closure dates still to be confirmed. It has rooms for babies, toddlers and young children. The baby room, rūma-pihi, has a 3:1 ratio and three kaiako. The toddler room, rūma-kūkupa, has a 6:1 ratio and four to five kaiako. The centre spends time outdoors in all weather and follows Te Tiriti o Waitangi in its programme. The website says there are some spaces for over-twos.