Hastings Christian School vs Kōwhai School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, 1.4 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Hastings Christian School
Akina · State integrated composite · Years 1–13
331 students
Kōwhai School
Akina · State special school
131 students
| Measure | Hastings Christian School Akina, Hawke's Bay | Kōwhai School Akina, Hawke's Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 73 Top 25% | – Not rated |
| Region rank | #4 of 25 | – |
| National rank | #84 of 486 | – |
| Sector | State integrated | State |
| Type | Composite | Special School |
| Year range | Years 1–13 | – |
| Students | 331 | 131 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 428 | 517 |
| Total roll | 331 | 131 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 14% | 23.1% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 93.5% | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 64.5% | – |
| Māori students | 11.5% | 55.7% |
| Pacific students | 4.5% | 16% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Akina | Akina |
| region | Hawke's Bay | Hawke's Bay |
| Website | www.hcs.school.nz | www.kowhaispecial.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Hastings Christian School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (428 vs 517).
- •Hastings Christian School does better on roll size (331 vs 131).
- •Kōwhai School does better on roll growth (5 years) (23.1% vs 14%).
- •Hastings Christian School is the larger school with 331 students compared with 131.
- •Hastings Christian School is a state integrated school while Kōwhai School is a state school, so fees and admission rules differ.
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 Christian 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 Christian School and Kōwhai School?
About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Akina and Akina in Hawke's Bay.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Hastings Christian School: 428. Kōwhai School: 517. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Hastings Christian School and Kōwhai School rank in Hawke's Bay?
Hastings Christian School is 4th of 25 and Kōwhai School is unranked among composite schools in Hawke's Bay on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).