Arahunga School vs Tawhero School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 614 m apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Arahunga School
Tawhero · State special school
124 students
Tawhero School
Whanganui · State contributing · Years 1–6
173 students
| Measure | Arahunga School Tawhero, Manawatū-Whanganui | Tawhero School Whanganui, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | – Not rated | 23 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | – | #97 of 111 |
| National rank | – | #1454 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Special School | Contributing |
| Year range | – | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 124 | 173 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 527 | 547 |
| Total roll | 124 | 173 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 90.4% | 3.4% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 42.7% | 78% |
| Pacific students | 4% | 15% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Tawhero | Whanganui |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | www.arahunga.co.nz | tawhero.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Arahunga School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (527 vs 547).
- •Tawhero School does better on roll size (173 vs 124).
- •Arahunga School does better on roll growth (5 years) (90.4% vs 3.4%).
- •Tawhero School is the larger school with 173 students compared with 124.
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 Arahunga School better than Tawhero 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 Arahunga School and Tawhero School?
About 614 m in a straight line, between Tawhero and Whanganui in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Arahunga School: 527. Tawhero School: 547. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Arahunga School and Tawhero School rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Arahunga School is unranked and Tawhero School is 97th of 111 among special school schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).