Kai Iwi School vs Pongaroa School
A head-to-head comparison of two full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 132 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Kai Iwi School
Kai Iwi · State full primary · Years 1–8
95 students
Pongaroa School
Pongaroa · State full primary · Years 1–8
50 students
| Measure | Kai Iwi School Kai Iwi, Manawatū-Whanganui | Pongaroa School Pongaroa, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 37 Lower 50% | 34 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #67 of 111 | – |
| National rank | #1177 of 1,559 | – |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Full Primary |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–8 |
| Students | 95 | 50 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 483 | 485 |
| Total roll | 95 | 50 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 1.1% | 20% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 27.4% | 58% |
| Pacific students | 2.1% | 6% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Kai Iwi | Pongaroa |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | www.kaiiwi.school.nz/ | www.pongaroa.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •Kai Iwi School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (36.7 vs 33.5).
- •Kai Iwi School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (483 vs 485).
- •Kai Iwi School does better on roll size (95 vs 50).
- •Pongaroa School does better on roll growth (5 years) (20% vs 1.1%).
- •Kai Iwi School is the larger school with 95 students compared with 50.
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 Kai Iwi School better than Pongaroa School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Kai Iwi School ranks higher (36.7 vs 33.5 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 Kai Iwi School and Pongaroa School?
About 132 km in a straight line, between Kai Iwi and Pongaroa in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Kai Iwi School: 483. Pongaroa School: 485. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Kai Iwi School and Pongaroa School rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Kai Iwi School is 67th of 111 and Pongaroa School is unranked among full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).