Hiruharama School vs Makarika School
A head-to-head comparison of two full primary schools in Gisborne, New Zealand, 4.0 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Hiruharama School
Waitakaro ยท State full primary ยท Years 1โ8
108 students
Makarika School
Ruatoria ยท State full primary ยท Years 1โ8
24 students
| Measure | Hiruharama School Waitakaro, Gisborne | Makarika School Ruatoria, Gisborne |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 16 Lower 50% | 16 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #17 of 18 | โ |
| National rank | #1542 of 1,559 | โ |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Full Primary |
| Year range | Years 1โ8 | Years 1โ8 |
| Students | 108 | 24 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 543 | 542 |
| Total roll | 108 | 24 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -21.7% | 4.8% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | โ | โ |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | โ | โ |
| Leavers with University Entrance | โ | โ |
| Mฤori students | 100% | 91.7% |
| Pacific students | 4.6% | 4.2% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Waitakaro | Ruatoria |
| region | Gisborne | Gisborne |
| Website | www.hiruharama.school.nz/ | โ |
The verdict
- โขBoth schools have almost identical Success Index (NZ) scores (16.1 vs 15.6).
- โขMakarika School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (542 vs 543).
- โขHiruharama School does better on roll size (108 vs 24).
- โขMakarika School does better on roll growth (5 years) (4.8% vs -21.7%).
- โขHiruharama School is the larger school with 108 students compared with 24.
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 Hiruharama School better than Makarika School?
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 Hiruharama School and Makarika School?
About 4.0 km in a straight line, between Waitakaro and Ruatoria in Gisborne.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Hiruharama School: 543. Makarika School: 542. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Hiruharama School and Makarika School rank in Gisborne?
Hiruharama School is 17th of 18 and Makarika School is unranked among full primary schools in Gisborne on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).