Tarawera High School vs Te Kura o Te Whānau-a-Apanui
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, 95 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Tarawera High School
Kawerau · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
440 students
Te Kura o Te Whānau-a-Apanui
Opotiki · State composite · Years 1–13
192 students
| Measure | Tarawera High School Kawerau, Bay of Plenty | Te Kura o Te Whānau-a-Apanui Opotiki, Bay of Plenty |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 21 Lower 50% | 21 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #26 of 34 | #27 of 34 |
| National rank | #434 of 486 | #436 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 7-15) | Composite |
| Year range | Years 7–13 | Years 1–13 |
| Students | 440 | 192 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 545 | 542 |
| Total roll | 440 | 192 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 4.1% | 94.9% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 63.2% | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 38.2% | – |
| Māori students | 87.3% | 98.4% |
| Pacific students | 5% | 7.3% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Kawerau | Opotiki |
| region | Bay of Plenty | Bay of Plenty |
| Website | www.tarawera.school.nz | www.tekuraotewhanauaapanui.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index (NZ) scores (20.9 vs 20.6).
- •Te Kura o Te Whānau-a-Apanui does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (542 vs 545).
- •Tarawera High School does better on roll size (440 vs 192).
- •Te Kura o Te Whānau-a-Apanui does better on roll growth (5 years) (94.9% vs 4.1%).
- •Tarawera High School is the larger school with 440 students compared with 192.
The Success Index (NZ) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Centres across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and ACT
Frequently asked questions
Is Tarawera High School better than Te Kura o Te Whānau-a-Apanui?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index (NZ). Differences in sector, size, programmes and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Tarawera High School and Te Kura o Te Whānau-a-Apanui?
About 95 km in a straight line, between Kawerau and Opotiki in Bay of Plenty.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Tarawera High School: 545. Te Kura o Te Whānau-a-Apanui: 542. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Tarawera High School and Te Kura o Te Whānau-a-Apanui rank in Bay of Plenty?
Tarawera High School is 26th of 34 and Te Kura o Te Whānau-a-Apanui is 27th of 34 among secondary (year 7-15) schools in Bay of Plenty on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).