Hastings Boys' High School vs Kōwhai School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, 700 m apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Hastings Boys' High School
Hastings · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
742 students
Kōwhai School
Akina · State special school
131 students
| Measure | Hastings Boys' High School Hastings, Hawke's Bay | Kōwhai School Akina, Hawke's Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 38 Lower 50% | – Not rated |
| Region rank | #13 of 25 | – |
| National rank | #319 of 486 | – |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Special School |
| Year range | Years 9–13 | – |
| Students | 742 | 131 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 502 | 517 |
| Total roll | 742 | 131 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 7.3% | 23.1% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 68.3% | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 45.9% | – |
| Māori students | 45.8% | 55.7% |
| Pacific students | 24.9% | 16% |
| International students | 1.5% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Hastings | Akina |
| region | Hawke's Bay | Hawke's Bay |
| Website | www.hastingsboys.school.nz | www.kowhaispecial.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Hastings Boys' High School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (502 vs 517).
- •Hastings Boys' High School does better on roll size (742 vs 131).
- •Kōwhai School does better on roll growth (5 years) (23.1% vs 7.3%).
- •Hastings Boys' High School is the larger school with 742 students compared with 131.
- •Hastings Boys' High School is boys and Kōwhai School is co-educational.
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 Hastings Boys' High School better than Kōwhai 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 Hastings Boys' High School and Kōwhai School?
About 700 m in a straight line, between Hastings and Akina in Hawke's Bay.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Hastings Boys' High School: 502. Kōwhai School: 517. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Hastings Boys' High School and Kōwhai School rank in Hawke's Bay?
Hastings Boys' High School is 13th of 25 and Kōwhai School is unranked among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Hawke's Bay on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).