Rotorua Lakes High School vs Whakarewarewa School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, 4.1 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Rotorua Lakes High School
Te Ngae · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
622 students
Whakarewarewa School
Whakarewarewa · State full primary · Years 1–8
128 students
| Measure | Rotorua Lakes High School Te Ngae, Bay of Plenty | Whakarewarewa School Whakarewarewa, Bay of Plenty |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 46 Lower 50% | 15 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #13 of 34 | #100 of 101 |
| National rank | #261 of 486 | #1550 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Full Primary |
| Year range | Years 9–13 | Years 1–8 |
| Students | 622 | 128 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 473 | 557 |
| Total roll | 622 | 128 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 4.3% | -19.6% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 68.7% | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 49.1% | – |
| Māori students | 44.1% | 94.5% |
| Pacific students | 3.9% | 7% |
| International students | 0.3% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Te Ngae | Whakarewarewa |
| region | Bay of Plenty | Bay of Plenty |
| Website | www.rotorualakes.school.nz | www.whakarewarewa.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •Rotorua Lakes High School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (45.9 vs 14.7).
- •Rotorua Lakes High School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (473 vs 557).
- •Rotorua Lakes High School does better on roll size (622 vs 128).
- •Rotorua Lakes High School does better on roll growth (5 years) (4.3% vs -19.6%).
- •Rotorua Lakes High School is the larger school with 622 students compared with 128.
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 Rotorua Lakes High School better than Whakarewarewa School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Rotorua Lakes High School ranks higher (45.9 vs 14.7 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 Rotorua Lakes High School and Whakarewarewa School?
About 4.1 km in a straight line, between Te Ngae and Whakarewarewa in Bay of Plenty.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Rotorua Lakes High School: 473. Whakarewarewa School: 557. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Rotorua Lakes High School and Whakarewarewa School rank in Bay of Plenty?
Rotorua Lakes High School is 13th of 34 and Whakarewarewa School is 100th of 101 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Bay of Plenty on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).