Kōwhai School vs Taikura Rudolf Steiner School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, 1.2 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Kōwhai School
Akina · State special school
131 students
Taikura Rudolf Steiner School
Hastings Central · State integrated composite · Years 1–13
286 students
| Measure | Kōwhai School Akina, Hawke's Bay | Taikura Rudolf Steiner School Hastings Central, Hawke's Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | – Not rated | 56 Top 50% |
| Region rank | – | #11 of 25 |
| National rank | – | #192 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State integrated |
| Type | Special School | Composite |
| Year range | – | Years 1–13 |
| Students | 131 | 286 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 517 | 437 |
| Total roll | 131 | 286 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 23.1% | -19.4% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | 83.3% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | 58.3% |
| Māori students | 55.7% | 19.6% |
| Pacific students | 16% | 3.1% |
| International students | 0% | 1% |
| suburb or town | Akina | Hastings Central |
| region | Hawke's Bay | Hawke's Bay |
| Website | www.kowhaispecial.school.nz | taikura.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •Taikura Rudolf Steiner School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (437 vs 517).
- •Taikura Rudolf Steiner School does better on roll size (286 vs 131).
- •Kōwhai School does better on roll growth (5 years) (23.1% vs -19.4%).
- •Taikura Rudolf Steiner School is the larger school with 286 students compared with 131.
- •Kōwhai School is a state school while Taikura Rudolf Steiner School 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Kōwhai School better than Taikura Rudolf Steiner 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 Kōwhai School and Taikura Rudolf Steiner School?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Akina and Hastings Central in Hawke's Bay.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Kōwhai School: 517. Taikura Rudolf Steiner School: 437. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Kōwhai School and Taikura Rudolf Steiner School rank in Hawke's Bay?
Kōwhai School is unranked and Taikura Rudolf Steiner School is 11th of 25 among special school schools in Hawke's Bay on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).