Kōwhai School vs St Matthew's Primary School (Hastings)
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, 605 m apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Kōwhai School
Akina · State special school
131 students
St Matthew's Primary School (Hastings)
Hastings · State integrated full primary · Years 1–8
160 students
| Measure | Kōwhai School Akina, Hawke's Bay | St Matthew's Primary School (Hastings) Hastings, Hawke's Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | – Not rated | 62 Top 50% |
| Region rank | – | #16 of 69 |
| National rank | – | #596 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State integrated |
| Type | Special School | Full Primary |
| Year range | – | Years 1–8 |
| Students | 131 | 160 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 517 | 436 |
| Total roll | 131 | 160 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 23.1% | 23.6% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 55.7% | 8.1% |
| Pacific students | 16% | 21.3% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Akina | Hastings |
| region | Hawke's Bay | Hawke's Bay |
| Website | www.kowhaispecial.school.nz | www.stmatthewsprimary.school.nz |
The verdict
- •St Matthew's Primary School (Hastings) does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (436 vs 517).
- •St Matthew's Primary School (Hastings) does better on roll size (160 vs 131).
- •St Matthew's Primary School (Hastings) does better on roll growth (5 years) (23.6% vs 23.1%).
- •St Matthew's Primary School (Hastings) is the larger school with 160 students compared with 131.
- •Kōwhai School is a state school while St Matthew's Primary School (Hastings) is a state integrated 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Centres across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and ACT
Frequently asked questions
Is Kōwhai School better than St Matthew's Primary School (Hastings)?
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 Kōwhai School and St Matthew's Primary School (Hastings)?
About 605 m in a straight line, between Akina and Hastings in Hawke's Bay.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Kōwhai School: 517. St Matthew's Primary School (Hastings): 436. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Kōwhai School and St Matthew's Primary School (Hastings) rank in Hawke's Bay?
Kōwhai School is unranked and St Matthew's Primary School (Hastings) is 16th of 69 among special school schools in Hawke's Bay on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).