Kawaha Point School vs Western Heights High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, 1.6 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Kawaha Point School
Kawaha Point · State contributing · Years 1–6
230 students
Western Heights High School
Rotorua Central · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
1,187 students
| Measure | Kawaha Point School Kawaha Point, Bay of Plenty | Western Heights High School Rotorua Central, Bay of Plenty |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 30 Lower 50% | 35 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #76 of 101 | #20 of 34 |
| National rank | #1317 of 1,559 | #342 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Contributing | Secondary (Year 9-15) |
| Year range | Years 1–6 | Years 9–13 |
| Students | 230 | 1,187 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 498 | 499 |
| Total roll | 230 | 1,187 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -26% | -2.7% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | 72% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | 50.8% |
| Māori students | 66.1% | 52.5% |
| Pacific students | 16.1% | 7.7% |
| International students | 0% | 1.7% |
| suburb or town | Kawaha Point | Rotorua Central |
| region | Bay of Plenty | Bay of Plenty |
| Website | www.kawaha-point.school.nz | www.whhs.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Western Heights High School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (34.9 vs 30.4).
- •Kawaha Point School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (498 vs 499).
- •Western Heights High School does better on roll size (1,187 vs 230).
- •Western Heights High School does better on roll growth (5 years) (-2.7% vs -26%).
- •Western Heights High School is the larger school with 1,187 students compared with 230.
The Success Index (NZ) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Kawaha Point School better than Western Heights High School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Western Heights High School ranks higher (34.9 vs 30.4 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Kawaha Point School and Western Heights High School?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Kawaha Point and Rotorua Central in Bay of Plenty.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Kawaha Point School: 498. Western Heights High School: 499. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Kawaha Point School and Western Heights High School rank in Bay of Plenty?
Kawaha Point School is 76th of 101 and Western Heights High School is 20th of 34 among contributing schools in Bay of Plenty on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).