Hastings Central School vs Kōwhai School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, 98 m apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Hastings Central School
Hastings · State contributing · Years 1–6
231 students
Kōwhai School
Akina · State special school
131 students
| Measure | Hastings Central School Hastings, Hawke's Bay | Kōwhai School Akina, Hawke's Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 32 Lower 50% | – Not rated |
| Region rank | #45 of 69 | – |
| National rank | #1280 of 1,559 | – |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Contributing | Special School |
| Year range | Years 1–6 | – |
| Students | 231 | 131 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 522 | 517 |
| Total roll | 231 | 131 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 1% | 23.1% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 42% | 55.7% |
| Pacific students | 21.6% | 16% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Hastings | Akina |
| region | Hawke's Bay | Hawke's Bay |
| Website | www.hastings-central.school.nz | www.kowhaispecial.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Kōwhai School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (517 vs 522).
- •Hastings Central School does better on roll size (231 vs 131).
- •Kōwhai School does better on roll growth (5 years) (23.1% vs 1%).
- •Hastings Central School is the larger school with 231 students compared with 131.
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 Central 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 Central School and Kōwhai School?
About 98 m in a straight line, between Hastings and Akina in Hawke's Bay.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Hastings Central School: 522. Kōwhai School: 517. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Hastings Central School and Kōwhai School rank in Hawke's Bay?
Hastings Central School is 45th of 69 and Kōwhai School is unranked among contributing schools in Hawke's Bay on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).