Karamū High School vs Kōwhai School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, 2.1 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Karamū High School
Parkvale-Napier/Hastings · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
880 students
Kōwhai School
Akina · State special school
131 students
| Measure | Karamū High School Parkvale-Napier/Hastings, Hawke's Bay | Kōwhai School Akina, Hawke's Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 36 Lower 50% | – Not rated |
| Region rank | #14 of 25 | – |
| National rank | #330 of 486 | – |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Special School |
| Year range | Years 9–13 | – |
| Students | 880 | 131 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 484 | 517 |
| Total roll | 880 | 131 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -2.3% | 23.1% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 71.2% | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 43.8% | – |
| Māori students | 37.6% | 55.7% |
| Pacific students | 8.8% | 16% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Parkvale-Napier/Hastings | Akina |
| region | Hawke's Bay | Hawke's Bay |
| Website | www.karamu.school.nz | www.kowhaispecial.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Karamū High School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (484 vs 517).
- •Karamū High School does better on roll size (880 vs 131).
- •Kōwhai School does better on roll growth (5 years) (23.1% vs -2.3%).
- •Karamū High School is the larger school with 880 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 Karamū 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 Karamū High School and Kōwhai School?
About 2.1 km in a straight line, between Parkvale-Napier/Hastings and Akina in Hawke's Bay.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Karamū High School: 484. Kōwhai School: 517. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Karamū High School and Kōwhai School rank in Hawke's Bay?
Karamū High School is 14th of 25 and Kōwhai School is unranked among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Hawke's Bay on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).