Waiau Area School
🇳🇿 Official data · 2026Tuatapere, Southland 9620 · Southland District
#14 of 14 composite schools in Southland
#459 of 486 nationally
About Waiau Area School
Waiau Area School is a state composite located in Tuatapere, in the Southland District territorial authority of Southland, New Zealand. It caters for Years 1–13. In 2026 it enrolled 133 students. Government-funded schools, free to attend apart from donations and activity fees.
Its Success Index (NZ) is 16.7 out of 100, placing it in the lower 50% of composite schools in New Zealand and 14th of 14 ranked composite schools in Southland. Its strongest component is roll growth (5 years) (40th percentile), and its weakest is school leavers with ncea level 2+ (2th percentile).
Other published figures: māori students 25.6%; pacific students 0%; international students 0%.
There are 2 schools in Tuatapere; Waiau Area School ranks 2nd of 2 scored schools there.
Success Index (NZ) breakdown
Each component is a percentile against composite schools across New Zealand.
- Equity Index (fewer barriers is higher) (45%)525
- Roll size (10%)133
- Roll growth (5 years) (15%)0%
- School leavers with NCEA Level 2+ (20%)52.6%
- School leavers with University Entrance (10%)26.3%
The Success Index (NZ) summarises published data about a school community. It is not a measure of teaching quality. Read the methodology.
Published measures
All figures published for Waiau Area School by the official sources.
- Equity Index (EQI)
- 525
- Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
- Total roll
- 133
- Total enrolled students.
- Roll growth (5 yrs)
- 0%
- Change in total roll over five years.
- Leavers with NCEA Level 2+
- 52.6%
- Share of school leavers who attained at least NCEA Level 2 before leaving.
- Leavers with University Entrance
- 26.3%
- Share of school leavers who attained the University Entrance award.
- Māori students
- 25.6%
- Share of roll identifying as Māori.
- Pacific students
- 0%
- Share of roll identifying as Pacific peoples.
- International students
- 0%
- Share of roll who are international fee-paying students.
Total roll trend
How total roll at Waiau Area School has changed over time.
Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ trend
How leavers with ncea level 2+ at Waiau Area School has changed over time.
Leavers with University Entrance trend
How leavers with university entrance at Waiau Area School has changed over time.
Free academic assessment
Is your child on track for NCEA?
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Schools near Waiau Area School
Closest schools by straight-line distance, with their Success Index (NZ).
Similar schools
State composite schools in Southland with a comparable Equity Index (EQI).
Te Wharekura o Arowhenua
Invercargill · State composite · Years 1–13
192 students
Aurora College
Invercargill · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
579 students
Māruawai College
Gore · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
591 students
Aparima College
Riverton · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
213 students
Menzies College
Wyndham · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
347 students
Northern Southland College
Lumsden · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
218 students
Frequently asked questions
Is Waiau Area School a good school?
Waiau Area School has a Success Index (NZ) of 16.7 out of 100 (Lower 50% of composite schools in New Zealand) and ranks #14 of 14 in Southland. The index summarises published data about the school community and, where available, attainment; it does not measure teaching quality, so visit the school and ask about support at your child's level.
Where does Waiau Area School rank in Southland?
Waiau Area School ranks #14 of 14 composite schools in Southland and #459 of 486 nationally on the Success Index (NZ) (2026 data).
How many students attend Waiau Area School?
Waiau Area School had 133 students in 2026, a change of +0% over five years.
Is Waiau Area School a primary school or a secondary school?
Waiau Area School is classified as a composite covering Years 1–13. It is a state school.
What other schools are near Waiau Area School?
There are 1 schools within 15 km of Waiau Area School; they are listed on this page with their Success Index (NZ) and distance, and can be compared side by side.