Central Normal School vs Mana Tamariki
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 1.1 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Central Normal School
Palmerston North · State contributing · Years 1–6
485 students
Mana Tamariki
Palmerston North CBD · State composite · Years 1–13
70 students
| Measure | Central Normal School Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui | Mana Tamariki Palmerston North CBD, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 47 Lower 50% | 58 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #42 of 111 | #7 of 33 |
| National rank | #951 of 1,559 | #182 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Contributing | Composite |
| Year range | Years 1–6 | Years 1–13 |
| Students | 485 | 70 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 491 | 444 |
| Total roll | 485 | 70 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 6.8% | 8.7% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 49.5% | 98.6% |
| Pacific students | 15.5% | 8.6% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Palmerston North | Palmerston North CBD |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | www.centralnormal.school.nz | – |
The verdict
- •Mana Tamariki scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (58.4 vs 46.9).
- •Mana Tamariki does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (444 vs 491).
- •Central Normal School does better on roll size (485 vs 70).
- •Mana Tamariki does better on roll growth (5 years) (8.7% vs 6.8%).
- •Central Normal School is the larger school with 485 students compared with 70.
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 Central Normal School better than Mana Tamariki?
On the Success Index (NZ), Mana Tamariki ranks higher (58.4 vs 46.9 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Central Normal School and Mana Tamariki?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Palmerston North and Palmerston North CBD in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Central Normal School: 491. Mana Tamariki: 444. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Central Normal School and Mana Tamariki rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Central Normal School is 42nd of 111 and Mana Tamariki is 7th of 33 among contributing schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).