Hokowhitu School vs Riverdale School (P North)
A head-to-head comparison of two contributing schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 3.8 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Hokowhitu School
Palmerston North · State contributing · Years 1–6
385 students
Riverdale School (P North)
Awapuni · State contributing · Years 1–6
378 students
| Measure | Hokowhitu School Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui | Riverdale School (P North) Awapuni, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 63 Top 50% | 63 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #17 of 111 | #18 of 111 |
| National rank | #561 of 1,559 | #565 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Contributing | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 1–6 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 385 | 378 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 426 | 426 |
| Total roll | 385 | 378 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -2.6% | -6.9% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 19.2% | 23% |
| Pacific students | 5.7% | 6.1% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Palmerston North | Awapuni |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | www.hokowhitu.school.nz | www.riverdale.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index (NZ) scores (62.8 vs 62.7).
- •Hokowhitu School does better on roll size (385 vs 378).
- •Hokowhitu School does better on roll growth (5 years) (-2.6% vs -6.9%).
- •Hokowhitu School is the larger school with 385 students compared with 378.
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 Hokowhitu School better than Riverdale School (P North)?
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 Hokowhitu School and Riverdale School (P North)?
About 3.8 km in a straight line, between Palmerston North and Awapuni in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Hokowhitu School: 426. Riverdale School (P North): 426. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Hokowhitu School and Riverdale School (P North) rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Hokowhitu School is 17th of 111 and Riverdale School (P North) is 18th of 111 among contributing schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).